Surviving in a borderless virus: impact of coronavirus on small-scale food services in Wa, Ghana

Ibrahim Abu Abdulai (), Moses Naiim Fuseini, Mohammed Sulemana and Prosper Basommi Laari
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Ibrahim Abu Abdulai: SD Dombo University of Business and Business and Integrated Development Studies
Moses Naiim Fuseini: SD Dombo University of Business and Business and Integrated Development Studies
Mohammed Sulemana: SD Dombo University of Business and Business and Integrated Development Studies
Prosper Basommi Laari: SD Dombo University of Business and Business and Integrated Development Studies

SN Business & Economics, 2023, vol. 3, issue 10, 1-27

Abstract: Abstract Coronavirus (COVID-19) has had a devastating effect on all facets of national economies, including the food services sector. However, studies on the implications of COVID-19 on formal food service providers in West Africa, particularly in Ghana, have been sparse. As such, this study investigates the COVID-19 crisis’s impact on food service businesses. The study used the qualitative research approach with the case study design as a strategy of inquiry. Using a purposive sample procedure, the study employed a multiple case study approach, with 10 research participants drawn from two formal food service providers. The data were elicited using a semi-structured interview guide and analysed using thematic and cross-case analysis. The study discovered that COVID-19 influenced food services through improved sanitary procedures, shortages and increased pricing of food items, greater spending, partial closures, employee layoffs, and a drop in sales and revenue. Additionally, the study identified the need to improve customer service and technology adoption as lessons learned while diversifying food services, enhancing marketing strategy, and applying for government assistance served as coping strategies. COVID-19, in general, had a detrimental effect on businesses. To be sustainable, businesses must accumulate sufficient contingency funds, which tailor-made government rescue programmes must supplement.

Keywords: COVID-19; Coping; Effect; Food services; Lesson learned; Ghana (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2023
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DOI: 10.1007/s43546-023-00557-7

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