Title: COVID-19 induced supply chain disruptions and economic vulnerability of vegetable and fruit farmers: a Sri Lankan perspective

Authors: Navodika Karunarathna; Dinesha Siriwardhane; P.G.S. Amila Jayarathne

Addresses: SLIIT Business School, Sri Lanka Institute of Information Technology (SLIIT), Malabe, Sri Lanka ' Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka ' Faculty of Management Studies and Commerce, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka

Abstract: Despite the significance and vulnerability of the vegetable and fruit supply chains, little is known about the disruptions caused by COVID-19 and its implications on the farmers' livelihood. Hence, the main objective of this study is to examine the impact of COVID-19-induced supply chain disruptions on the economic vulnerability of small-scale farmers. Surveying 280 farmers across eight high-crop districts, logistic regression analysis in SPSS was conducted. The findings revealed that most farmers continued to cultivate even amid the pandemic although they had to face several challenges. It is reasonable to conclude that the transportation and demand disruptions caused by the COVID-19 measures have aggravated the economic vulnerability of small-scale farmers more than the supply and production disruptions during the crisis period.

Keywords: agriculture; COVID-19; economic vulnerability; supply chain disruptions; vegetable and fruit farmers; Sri Lanka.

DOI: 10.1504/IJBCRM.2024.139045

International Journal of Business Continuity and Risk Management, 2024 Vol.14 No.2, pp.159 - 181

Received: 10 Mar 2023
Accepted: 07 Oct 2023
Published online: 10 Jun 2024 *

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