Effect of social capital on Cassava farmers' productivity during Covid 19 pandemic and lockdown in Ede South local government, Osun State

The livelihoods of agricultural households were affected by the COVID-19 outbreak and lockdown as they struggled to sell their farm products owing to government-imposed lockdown limitations and to obtain the materials, supplies, and labour needed for their farms to operate at their peak output. This study examined the effects of social capital on cassava farmers’ productivity during COVID 19 pandemic and lockdown in Ede South Local Government Area (LGA) of Osun State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study assessed socio-economic features and socio-capital dimensions of cassava farmers, identify the problem faced by cassava farmers in the study area, determine Total Factor Productivity (TFP) and examined factors determining productivity in the study area. Multistage sampling technique was used. Results showed that that most farmers (21-40years) are in their active and productive age, the age they can put in for optimum productivity having farming experience between 11-20 years. The social capital dimensions during the COVID 19 outbreak and lockdown revealed membership density, the decision-making indexes, meeting attendance, labor participation and contribution in decision making. Results further showed a difference of about N2,424,736.00 in the profit realized between those enjoying/benefiting social capital and otherwise. Membership density (p<0.01), experience in farming (p<0.05), and farm size (p<0.01) significantly influenced the productivity of cassava farmers in the study area. More membership which will in turn generate further labor to achieve further objectives and goals and in effects, derive more benefits is recommended.