Social and Livelihood Implication of Covid-19 Lockdown on the People of Southern Kaduna State of Nigeria

Abstract

This study assesses the social and livelihood implication of Covid-19 lockdown in Southern Kaduna State of Nigeria, with a view to providing information for sustainable living of the human population. Data for this study was collected through questionnaire survey, in-depth interview and direct field observation. The result shows that Covid-19 lockdown prevented many prospective couples from having their marriages/marriage ceremonies, forced many couples to have unwanted pregnancies, breaking away of many relationships, caused conflicts due to short supply of family needs, and forced many parents to have more time for the family. The result also indicated that the pandemic increased the level of rape cases, teenage pregnancies and prostitution among women in the study area. As such, it is recommended that proper education be given to people on the effects of any pandemic on women, young and adolescent children through their worship centers and schools, and finally, marriage counseling should involve issues related to the effects of any disease pandemic and how to maintain their livelihood sources.