Impact of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown on food commodity price differentials and consumers' purchasing behaviour In Nigeria

Background and Objectives: One of the notable effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the associated lockdowns is the alteration of spending patterns of consumers owing to the level of food price inflation. This study was designed to evaluate the covid-19 influenced changes in food commodity prices and estimate its impact on consumers' behaviour. Methods: The study design captured eight states across various geographical zones in Nigeria. The methodology consists of primary data collection of food price differentials from traders in 11 urban markets and the corresponding consumers purchasing behaviours. September 2019, May-June, 2020 and March 2021 were designated as the pre-covid-19 lockdown (PrCL), the peak of nationwide lockdown (PNL) and post covid-19 lockdown (PoCL) reference points. Results: Results revealed a significant increase in price of staple foods at the peak of national lockdown (PNL) and post-covid-19 lockdown in Nigeria (Rice -1.8-2.2kg;PrCL =$2.10- 3.67;PNL=$2.62-4.72;PoCL =$2.62-6.56;Wheat -1.1-1.9kg;PrCL =$0.71-1.84;PNL=$0.79-2.62;PoCL =$0.92-3.94;Maize - 1.3-1.9kg;PrCL =$0.39-1.44;PNL=$0.52-1.97;PoCL =$0.60- 2.76;Garri - 1.35-1.5kg;PrCL =$0.92-1.84;PNL=$0.92-2.36;PoCL =$0.92-2.89;Yam -0.9-3kg;PrCL =$1.97-3.94;PNL=$1.97-5.25;PoCL =$1.97-5.25;Beans -1.2-2kg;PrCL =$0.66-2.10;PNL=$1.05- 2.49;PoCL =$1.44-2.49;Groundnut -1.2-1.6kg;PrCL =$0.79-2.36;PNL=$0.92-2.36;PoCL =$1.44-2.36;common leafy vegetables - 0.2-0.4kg;PrCL =$0.13-0.31;PNL=$0.13-0.59;PoCL =$0.24- 0.52;common non-leafy vegetables 0.2-1kg;PrCL =$0.13-0.79;PNL=$0.26-2.10;PoCL =$0.26-2.10;Mackerel and Scumbia fish 0.36-1kg;PrCL =$0.79-3.67;PNL=$1.57-3.67;PoCL =$1.31-3.94;Beef -1kg;PrCL =$2.62-4.20;PNL=$2.62-6.30;PoCL =$2.49-5.25;A crate of egg -2.8-3.2kg;PrCL =$1.57-2.62;PNL=$2.62-3.94;PoCL =$3.15-3.94). About half of the consumers acknowledged the impact of these covid-19 influenced food price inflation on their purchasing behaviour which led to the adoption of several coping measures. Conclusion: Efforts should be made by government, food producers, distributors and all stakeholders to cushion the long-standing ripple effect of covid-19 pandemic lockdown on food prices and purchasing behaviour.