Market Women’s Perspectives on Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): The Case of Ghana and South Africa

Ebenezer Kwabena Frimpong (), Peter Yamoah, Ebenezer Wiafe, Patrick Hulisani Demana and Moliehi Matlala ()
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Ebenezer Kwabena Frimpong: Indigenous Knowledge Systems Centre, Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences, North-West University, Private Bag X 2046, Mmabatho 2790, South Africa
Peter Yamoah: School of Pharmacy, The University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho PMB 31, Ghana
Ebenezer Wiafe: Pharmacy Department, Ho Teaching Hospital, Ho MA 374, Ghana
Patrick Hulisani Demana: Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi St, Ga-Rankuwa Zone 1, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, Medunsa 0204, South Africa
Moliehi Matlala: Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University, Molotlegi St, Ga-Rankuwa Zone 1, Ga-Rankuwa 0208, Medunsa 0204, South Africa

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 15, 1-15

Abstract: Globally, countries are still battling health challenges and the negative economic stress on the citizenry caused by COVID-19. This study explored the perspectives of market women in Ghana and South Africa on COVID-19. Data collection was executed in both Ghana and South Africa between March 2021 and December 2021. Employing semi-structured questionnaires, face-to-face interviews were conducted. Most of the market women in Ghana described COVID-19 as a global pandemic, while market women in South Africa described the disease as the deadly flu. There were similarities in the perceived signs and symptoms of COVID-19. Market women in both countries specifically observed that not adhering to the safety protocols was the major mode of transmission. Lemon, garlic and ginger were the most common foodstuffs used by the market women to fight COVID-19. To prevent COVID-19 at their places of work, market women stressed the importance of observing the safety protocols. An overwhelming majority of market women in both countries bemoaned the negative impact of COVID-19 on their businesses and suggested the need for financial assistance from their respective governments. The findings are intended to assist policymakers in both Ghana and South Africa to implement interventional projects to assist women whom the literature suggests are the most vulnerable during pandemics such as COVID-19.

Keywords: COVID-19 pandemic; market women; negative economic impact; loss of revenue; Africa; gender perspective (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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