Socio-Economic Determinants of SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Results from a Population-Based Serosurvey in Geneva, Switzerland

## **Socio-Economic Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Smallholder Farmers' Households in Bududa District, Uganda**

#### **Charles Batte1,2, Andrew Semulimi1,2, Ronald Kasoma1 , John Mukisa1,2, Ronald Olum1 , and Felix Bongomin1,3**

1 Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda

<sup>2</sup> Tree Adoption Uganda, Kampala, Uganda

<sup>3</sup> Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda

Bududa district in Eastern Uganda is recovering from recent landslides and the stringent COVID-19 preventive measures, which have exacerbated the economic vulnerability of its communities. We conducted a quantitative assessment of the socio-economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on smallholder farmers' households in Bududa District. Through a systematic sampling, in May 2021, we cross-sectionally enrolled households from three conveniently selected villages, Bukalasi, Bushiyi, and Bushika, in Bududa District, Uganda. Pretested standardized semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on the social and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on households. Of the 210 participants interviewed, 155 (54.8%) were male, with a median age of 37 (IQR: 29- 51) years. The majority of the participants (153, 72.4%) were married, and 197 (93.8%) were living in rural areas. Most of the participants (90.1%) practiced farming as their primary occupation. Almost all participants 209 (99.5%) were aware of COVID-19. Of the 209 participants, the majority, 188 (90.0%) and 190 (90.9%), received their information from radios and rumors, respectively. The majority of the household, 48 (22.9%), belonged to the "less poor" category of the socio-economic index. Of the 210 households interviewed, 111 (52.9%) reported having sold assets, 106 (50.5%) borrowed money, and 111 (53.4%) used their savings to cope with the financial constraints of the pandemic. A total of 65 (30.9%) of the 210 participants reported a change in treatment from their partners, with worsened emotions, a reduction in finances, and an increase in violence cited as the most common changes. However, 22 (66.7%) of those who reported a change in intimacy recorded increased levels of intimacy. COVID-19 awareness was universal among the study participants. There was a significantly negative socioeconomic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the loss of land and farm produce with catastrophic consequences for the households. Strategies to strengthen rehabilitation programs to fasten recovery from the devastating effects of COVID-19 in this community should be prioritized.

Charles Batte1,2, Andrew Semulimi1,2, Ronald Kasoma1, John Mukisa1,2, Ronald Olum1, and Felix Bongomin1,3

<sup>1</sup> Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda

<sup>2</sup> Tree Adoption Uganda, Kampala, Uganda

<sup>3</sup> Gulu University, Gulu, Uganda

Background: Bududa district in Eastern Uganda is recovering from recent landslides and the stringent COVID-19 preventive measures, which have exacerbated the economic vulnerability of its communities.

#### Methods

Through systematic sampling, in May 2021 we cross-sectionally enrolled households from three conveniently selected villages, Bukalasi, Bushiyi, and Bushika, in Bududa District, Uganda.

Pretested standardised semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect data on the social and economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on households.

#### Results


• Overall, 65 (30.9%) of the 210 participants reported a change in treatment from their partners.

• Worsened emotions were the most reported change. Of those who reported a change in intimacy, 22 (66.7%) recorded increased levels of intimacy.

Coping strategies:


Strengthen rehabilitation programs to speed up recovery
