GeoPoll: How COVID-19 is impacting these 12 African nations

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought about significant concerns regarding food security, especially in regions that already struggle with high levels of food insecurity. Recently, GeoPoll conducted a survey across 12 African nations to assess the economic impact of the pandemic on these countries. John Murunga, the Geopol Regional Director for East Africa, shared key findings from the survey in a CNBC Africa interview. The survey, conducted remotely through mobile SMS and web platforms, included 4788 respondents from countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The respondents represented a diverse demographic, including individuals from different age groups and genders, making the sample nationally representative. The main focus of the survey was to gauge consumer perceptions surrounding COVID-19, particularly fears and concerns related to the virus. One of the most significant findings from the survey was the high level of fear and concern among consumers regarding the virus itself. Additionally, respondents expressed equal levels of concern about contracting the disease and the economic impact it would have on the continent. A staggering 80% of respondents reported worries about their ability to secure food for their households in the past seven days. This highlighted a critical issue of food insecurity exacerbated by the pandemic. In response to the pandemic, consumers have been taking various preventive measures to protect themselves from the virus. Increased emphasis on hygiene practices, avoidance of public places, and working from home were some of the measures reported. However, implementing these measures, especially in economies heavily reliant on the informal sector, posed significant challenges. Despite these challenges, respondents were making efforts to adhere to government regulations to curb the spread of the virus. The survey findings also indicated a level of confidence among consumers in the government's handling of the pandemic. Countries like Rwanda, which enforced strict lockdown measures, received high approval ratings from their populations for addressing the challenges posed by COVID-19. Governments were urged to focus on enhancing food security as a key priority during these times. With a majority of respondents cutting down on non-essential expenses and reducing shopping frequency, there is a pressing need to address the issue of accessing an adequate food supply. Changes in consumer behavior, such as opting for cheaper brands, shopping less frequently, and buying goods in bulk, were observed in response to the evolving food market dynamics. The survey highlighted the prevalence of food security risks across multiple markets, underscoring the urgent need to address these challenges. As countries grapple with the economic fallout of the pandemic, ensuring food security emerges as a critical area for government intervention to support their populations during these uncertain times.