SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON INDIVIDUAL HOUSEHOLDS IN AFRICA : THE GAMBIA EXPERIENCE

Abstract

People and households are still under the trauma caused by Covid-19 which has devastated the socio-economic structure of households in The Gambia. The study objective is to assess the socio-economic impact of Covid- 19 on individual families in the study area. The disruption of societal and individual activities through the restriction of movement of people and the effect of social distance measures on employment, Gender Based Violence (GBV), education, and health service negatively impacted homes. The study utilised a quantitative method and employed a cross sectional study design. A convenient and a snowball sampling technique were employed by this study. A non- restricted sample of working-class residents of the Greater Banjul Area was followed with an online questionnaire. There’s a total of 114 respondents’ respondent for this survey. Based on the objectives of the study, thematic areas were developed to understand the linkages between Covid-19 and satisfaction of life, household income and finance, societal issues, health, education, food, gender based violence, drinking alcohol and use of tobacco. Overall, the study revealed a positive JSADTU, Vol. 1, No. 1, August 2023 5 correlation on the impact COVID-19 and household income, health, education, food availability and consumption and gender-based violence. Even though the impact of Covid-19 was not immense in terms of human
cost (mortality) in the Gambia compared to other countries, the study discloses that the consequences of the virus on societal issues and the economy of the country were profound. The social impacts of the pandemic have affected many families. These impacts are enormous on society and may last for a long time before society will recover and get back on its feet.