Analysis of the Effects of Covid-19 Pandemic on the Profitability of the Dry Season Watermelon Farmers in Jigawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study was carried out to find the effects of the Covid-19 Pandemic on the Profit values of watermelon (Citrullus lanatus) Farmers across wet seasons in Jigawa State, Nigeria. Multistage sampling procedures were used for the selection of the respondents. A total of 91 Farmers, and 5 key informants were interviewed. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires and checklist. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Net return Income model. The results revealed that average Watermelon yield of 25,625.87kg/ha and 19,892.66kg/ha was obtained during the dry season enterprise before and during the Covid-19 Pandemic in the study area, respectively. The result further revealed that Watermelon production enterprise was a profitable venture with Net farm income of ₦535,991.41/ha & ₦279,871.11/ in dry seasons before and during the Pandemic, respectively. However, findings also revealed that farmers obtained higher yield (25,625.87kg/ha) and profit (₦535,991.41/ha) respectively, in the study area before the Covid-19 Pandemic. Most important constrains to Watermelon production during the Pandemic was the restrictions of human and vehicular movements which lead to rising cost of labour and material inputs as well as Glut. The study finally recommends immediate credit and loan intervention by governments and donor agencies as well as the establishment of processing firms, to address the flight of the farmers.