Analysis of the impact of COVID-19 policy measures on the livelihoods of people with disabilities in North-Eastern Nigeria

Abstract

This study examines the impacts of COVID-19 policy measures on the livelihoods of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the North-Eastern region of Nigeria. It utilises a multi-stage sampling method to select 1,200 PWDs in three states (Bauchi, Gombe and Yobe) out of the six states in the Northeast. Fifteen Key Informant Interviews and six focus Group Discussions were purposively conducted to obtain the qualitative data while a structured questionnaire was administered to 1,200 PWDs for the quantitative data. The study employs a mixed method of data analysis in the form of thematic analysis, and descriptive and inferential statistics. The result of descriptive statistics shows that about 54.86per cent of the respondents were in the active age bracket, about 33 per cent rear livestock and 29 per cent owned landed property, while lockdown and social distance are major policies that had affected the livelihoods of PWDs. It was also found that cash transfer and food distribution were the major supports received by the respondents during the pandemic. However, findings indicate that about 68.32per cent of the respondents did not receive any government support during the outbreak. The results from Ordinary Least Square (OLS) revealed that support from the government and NGOs are critical resilience strategies needed to guide against the worsening condition of livelihood status of PWDs. Similarly, level of education, gender and marital status have worsened the livelihood status of PWDs during the period. The study recommends adequate government support for the vulnerable group and inclusive policy that caters for the special needs of these vulnerable individuals in the event of future shocks like COVID-19.