Abstract

The aftermath of COVID-19 lockdown had great consequences on the livelihood status and wellbeing of rural households in Nigeria. The study examines the livelihood activities of rural households? post COVID-19 pandemic in Okehi Local Government Area of State, Nigeria. Three-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting 125 rural households. Structured questionnaire complimented with interview schedule was used for data collection. Data collected were analysed using mean, percentage and frequency distribution and Livelihood Activities Index. The result shows that the mean age of rural households was 37 years with 15 years mean of farming experience. Sponsoring of wards to school (87.2%) and procurements of farm inputs (73.6%) were the most affected rural household activities due to COVID-19 pandemic. Crop farming (88.0%) and agricultural marketing (84.0%) were the most livelihood activities of rural households after COVID-19. Also, 59.2% of rural households had low livelihood activities. The most coping strategies used in cushioning the effect of Covid-19 pandemic were sale of asset ( =3.46) and collecting loans and credit facilities ( =3.28). It is recommended that rural households should diversify into other viable livelihood activities to address their low livelihood status. Also, rural households insured their farms and other investments to absorb the shock and uncertainties.

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