Page 43 - AFAP Success Stories 2020

The coronavirus COVID-19 pandemic has become the defining
global health crisis in 2020. It has also greatly affected African
lives, with particular effects felt in terms of agricultural inputs
delivery, production systems, food security and agricultural
livelihoods. For a country that has overcome many challenges,
COVID-19 has just exacerbated weaknesses that were already
threatening the economic stability of Burkina Faso. This, in
turn, will make it more difficult for people to earn a living in
the country.

In early March 2020, the first cases of the infection were reported in
Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso in West Africa. This led to a hike
in prices of the recommended alcohol-based hand wash, sanitizers and face
masks. A fortnight from the first incidence and death, other incidences were
recorded in various locations of Ouagadougou.

The government of Burkina Faso imposed restrictions: a 7 p.m. to 5 a.m.
curfew; the closure of airport, borders, schools, restaurants, churches and
mosques; and a quarantine of affected areas, to curb the spread of the
virus. Through local radio and television stations, in local languages and in
French, the government launched prevention and knowledge campaigns
for its citizens. It is no longer business as usual; the restrictions imposed have
greatly affected the various sectors in the country.

Movement of fresh produce: the restrictions imposed have caused delays
in the delivery of fresh produce to various target markets. Opportunities
exist to supply the Ivorian, Togolese, Beninese and Ghanaian markets with
vegetables, especially tomatoes, but the costs of transport have increased;
delivery trucks are stranded in the markets because of the timing of their
travel. Unfortunately, fresh produce is perishable, thus high financial
losses have been incurred and products lost. The government’s actions of
surveillance and control have regulated the prices for cereals and legumes
(maize, sorghum rice, millet, peanuts and cowpeas), leading to no major
change. However, the loss of crops has discouraged farmers and inhibited
their willingness to invest in agricultural inputs.

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