The impact of COVID-19 and Associated Shocks on Agri Food SMEs along the Poultry and Fish Value Chains in Oyo state

Despite the state's decision not to implement a full lockdown, SMEs in the poultry and fish value chains were severely affected by disruptions to their input and output supply chains. This was largely due to their dependence on other states for inputs, output markets, and supporting services. The study, which was conducted from February 2020 to October 2020, involved a sample of 54 enterprises in the poultry and fish value chains. The results showed that SMEs in Oyo State were significantly impacted by the pandemic, with many experiencing financial challenges due to lower demand and increased defaults among customers. The study also found that only three percent of the sample received any assistance, with all of it coming from social networks rather than government. The Google Mobility Index (GMI) showed that residential movement increased during the pandemic, while retail and recreation declined. This was reflected in the spatial distribution of the greater Ibadan area, which has the highest number of informal SMEs located in residential areas. The dip in retail and recreation was likely due to the closure of public offices, public offices, and reduced movements during the curfew, as well as fear of the COVID-19 pandemic. The study found that SMEs in Oyo State were significantly impacted by the pandemic, with many experiencing disruptions to their input and output supply chains. The average number of days businesses were in operation during the study months was similar to those in February (pre-lockdown), with a slight increase in the average number of days operated by some categories of businesses during the latter months. This was likely due to the need for businesses to increase their days of operation to generate sufficient revenue to compensate for less sales associated with lower demand. The study also found that SMEs in Oyo State were significantly impacted by the pandemic, with many experiencing financial challenges due to lower demand and increased defaults among customers. The study also found that only three percent of the sample received any assistance, with all of it coming from social networks rather than government. The COVID-19 pandemic and associated policies had a significant impact on the operations of SMEs in Oyo State, Nigeria. The study highlights the need for government support and assistance to SMEs in the poultry and fish value chains, particularly in the face of future pandemics and economic shocks. The study also emphasizes the importance of building resilience and adaptability in SMEs to mitigate the impact of future disruptions. The study's findings have implications for policymakers and stakeholders involved in the development of policies and programs to support SMEs in Oyo State and Nigeria. The study's results highlight the need for targeted support and assistance to SMEs in the poultry and fish value chains, particularly in the face of future pandemics and economic shocks. The study also emphasizes the importance of building resilience and adaptability in SMEs to mitigate the impact of future disruptions.