Coping strategies of tomato traders amidst covid-19 induced restrictions in Kampala City

Abstract

The COVID-19 induced restrictions effected by many countries worldwide greatly affected agricultural trade. These measures that were put in place to curb the rapid spread of the pandemic came along with challenges that squeezed traders of agricultural products especially perishables between rocks. The movement-related restrictions particularly restricted time of movement (curfew) and restricted used of vehicles dropped the market demand for perishables especially tomatoes while movement to access market equally became challenging. Given the perishable nature of tomatoes, the delayed delivery because of curfew and many check points along the highways resulted into considerable losses for the traders. Tomato traders had to devise new ways through which they could continue being in trade. This study sought to understand strategies employed by wholesale tomato traders to cope with movement-related restrictions. It was conducted among wholesale tomato traders in three main markets of Nakawa, Kalerwe and St. Balikudembe (Owino) in Kampala City. Using exploratory sequential mixed method research design, data was collected through three Focus Group Discussions (FDGs), 15 Key Informant Interviews (KI) and 120 Individual Face to Face Interviews (FFI) using questionnaires, all purposely selected. Qualitative data was subjected to thematic analysis using NVIVO software while quantitative data was analyzed descriptively using Statistical Package for Social Scientists (SPSS) and STATA software. Specific objectives included exploring strategies for purchasing amidst restricted truck usage, identifying coping mechanisms for selling under curfew constraints, examining socio-economic determinants influencing strategy choices, and assessing continued use of strategies, post-restrictions. A total of nine strategies including intensified use of phone calls and whatsapp, use of alternative rural routes, collective transportation, purchase from nearby areas, hiring purchase agents, use of smaller trucks, truck hawking, diversification of the business, and intermittent bulk purchases were used by traders to continue purchasing amidst restricted use of trucks and selling amidst curfew: Socio-economic factors such as age, sex, traders‟ level of education and market of operation significantly influenced strategy selection. Notably, strategies like collective transportation and the intensified use of phone calls and whatsapp were sustained after restrictions were lifted while strategies like truck hawking and hiring purchasing agents were dropped. There is need to consult traders and other stakeholders when planning and implementing movement-related restrictions when such calamities and emergencies such as COVID-19 occurs. There is also need to popularize and enhance the adaptation of some strategies like online marketing as potential means of conducting business in similar situations when physical proximity is restricted or prohibited.