Awareness creation and impact assessment of meat retailers during Covid-19 lockdown in Sherpur District

Abstract

The research was conducted to create awareness and evaluate the impact of Covid-19 lockdown on meat retailer’s income in Sherpur District. A total number of 50 meat retailers (beef, chevon, broiler, mutton and chicken) were surveyed through a structured questionnaire for collecting necessary data and latent variables. Collected data were analyzed through descriptive statistics and regression model. Awareness were created by displaying a poster in front of meat retailer’s shop and distribution of Covid-19 kit which contains soap, sanitizer, face mask, hair net and hand gloves. Practical demonstration was given how to wear the kit materials. Meat retailers were very happy to wear from hypothetical observations. Results showed that average age, education and family size of meat retailers were 41.86 years, 5.96, and 6.16, respectively. The price of beef before, during and after lockdown was BDT 523.52, 477.64 and 542.00, respectively. Simarlry, the price of broiler meat and sonali chicken meat before, during and after lockdown was BDT 129.68, 95.59, 137.65; 182.50, 167.50, and 217.50, respectively. During Covid-19 situation the income of meat retailers became much lower as compared to any other critical conditions. About 100% meat retailers faced various problems towards buying and selling of animals, lack of consumers, and lack of demand for meat. The prices of all kinds of meat namely beef, chevon, and chicken meat became drastically lower during pandemic. About 84% meat retailers used face mask, 60% maintained physical distance and 2% people tested for corona virus. During lockdown 98% meat retailers did not get any financial support from government, NGOs or any other private organizations. They did not get any kind of help to create awareness from the government or local authority. Despite facing all these problems, 98% meat retailers would like to continue their meat business. Meat retailers demanded subsidy to maintain their livelihood during lockdown. In conclusion, awareness was created through poster and supplied Covid-19 kit among meat retailers and they need government incentive during lockdown to maintain their livelihood since income of meat retailers was negatively and significantly decreased.