Prelims

Half Title Page

COVID-19 in the African Continent

Title Page

COVID-19 in the African Continent: Sustainable Development and Socioeconomic Shocks

Edited by

Evans Osabuohien

Covenant University, Nigeria

Gbadebo Odularu

Virginia Military Institute, USA

Daniel Ufua

Covenant University, Nigeria

And

Romanus Osabohien

Covenant University, Nigeria

United Kingdom – North America – Japan – India – Malaysia – China

Copyright Page

Emerald Publishing Limited

Howard House, Wagon Lane, Bingley BD16 1WA, UK

First edition 2022

Editorial matter and selection © 2022 Evans Osabuohien, Gbadebo Odularu, Daniel Ufua, and Romanus Osabohien. Published under exclusive licence by Emerald Publishing Limited.

Individual chapters © 2022 by Emerald Publishing Limited.

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A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library

ISBN: 978-1-80117-687-3 (Print)

ISBN: 978-1-80117-686-6 (Online)

ISBN: 978-1-80117-688-0 (Epub)

List of Tables and Figures

About the Contributors

Comfort Ojoago Adah is currently a member of the Faculty of Humanities, Management and Social Sciences and a Lecturer in the Department of Sociology, the Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State, Nigeria. Her teaching and research areas include Health, Gender and Development.

Dominic Olamilekan Adebayo is a Doctoral Student in the Department of Sociology, University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He is currently a member of staff of the Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria. His research areas include Deviance and Penology, Social Problem, Cultural Anthropology, Environment and Development.

Akintoye Victor Adejumo is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Economics, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, Nigeria. He holds a PhD in Economics from the same university, and has to his credit publications in peer-reviewed journals, and contributions to books in the area of Industrial and Development Economics

Oluwabunmi O. Adejumo is a faculty member of the Institute for Entrepreneurship and Development Studies, Obafemi Awolowo University, Nigeria, Research Fellow at the Centre for Economic Policy and Development Research-Covenant University, Nigeria, and an alumnus of the Institute of Housing Studies, Erasmus University, Netherlands. She holds a PhD in Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University. She is an active member of the Inter-University Sustainable Development Research Programme (IUSDRP), Germany, and has participated as an Associate Editor of the IUSDRP Encyclopaedia series on Sustainable Development Goals. Her research interests intersect development issues to include entrepreneurship, labour, gender studies and sustainability issues.

Iyabo Bosede Adeoye is an Assistant Director of Research at the National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan, Nigeria. Her research interest focuses on value chain analysis, production and post-harvest economics of horticultural crops. She coordinates monitoring and evaluation of her Institution Projects and Programmes.

Dr Olumide Sunday Adesina has a BSc (Hons) degree in Mathematics from the University of Ilorin, an MBA in Financial Management from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, an MSc in Statistics from the University of Lagos, and a PhD in Statistics from Olabisi Onabanjo University. He is a lecturer in the Department of Mathematical Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. His area of specialisation is Mathematical Statistics and Data Science. He is an examiner in quantitative Techniques for the Institute of Chartered Accountant of Nigeria (ICAN), Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), Chattered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS) and Chattered Institute of Personnel Managers (CIPM). He has published over 30 scholarly articles in reputable outlets. His publications in Elsevier journals are sizable with equally published data sets in Elsevier Mendeley. He has reviewed about 150 journal articles. Dr Olumide Adesina is proficient in software such as MATLAB, R and Python and has conducted several pieces of training in the areas of Data Science and Business Analytics for Bankers, Actuaries, operation managers and policymakers in various organisations. He is a professional member of the International Association for Statistical Institutes (ISI), Netherlands, and Secretary of the Nigerian Statistical Association (NSA), Ogun State chapter.

Oghenekparobo Ernest Agbogun holds a BSc in Banking and Finance from the Delta State University (DELSU) in 2018 in the First-Class Honours division and was awarded as the Fourth Best Graduating Student in the whole of DELSU for that year. He is currently pursuing his Master's degree in the same university and is already at the candidacy stage. Ernest desires to be the best in whatever he does. He has authored and co-authored some articles. His penchant for research can be likened to an unending rain.

Emmanuel Ihechukwu Agupusi is a dynamic Lecturer with six years of experience at Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu-Alike, teaching students from various social and cultural backgrounds. He possesses excellent administrative, verbal communication and written skills along with constructive and effective teaching methods that promote a stimulating learning environment. He obtained his Bachelor's degree (Economics) from Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki, in 2011. For his commitment to personal development and love for education, after his national service in Eternity Limited Sapele, Delta State, he advanced his studies and obtained his Master's degree from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, in 2017. Beyond research and lecturing, he has been a leader in several spheres, both in religious, business and educational circles. He is married to Sally, and they both are blessed with two children – Jeremy and Jotham.

Omowumi Monisola Ajeigbe Dr is a Lecturer in the Department of Economics, Faculty of Social Sciences, Redeemer's University, Ede, Osun State, Nigeria. She is the Research and Development Coordinator and Managing Editor of the Journal of Economics and Social Policy at the same department. She holds BSc, MSc and PhD degrees in Economics and a PGD in Education. She is a Reviewer of the International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Sciences (IJRISS). She is a Facilitator and Project Supervisor at the National Open University of Nigeria. She has publications in the field of Financial, Industrial, Trade, Labour and Development Economics.

Dr Thecla I. Akukwe is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She holds a PhD in Environmental Planning and Management from the University of Nairobi, Kenya. She has published several peer-reviewed papers in the areas of floods and food security which includes: Does flood affect food security? A comparative study on the before- and after-flood households' food security status in south eastern Nigeria; household food security and its determinants in agrarian communities of southeastern Nigeria; principal component analysis of the effects of flooding on food security in agrarian communities of south eastern Nigeria; and spatial analysis of vulnerability to flooding in Port Harcourt metropolis, Nigeria. Her research interests are centred around Flood Risk Management, Food Security/Insecurity, Climate Change and Sustainable Livelihoods, Natural Resources and Sustainable Development, and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) among others.

Ifeoluwapo Oluwaseun Amao is a Research Officer at the National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan, Nigeria. She is involved in monitoring and impact evaluation studies of institutional projects and has also been involved in technology and knowledge transfer in various aspects of horticulture. She has authored two book chapters and has over 10 scholarly articles. Her research interest focuses on socioeconomic research in horticulture as well as development economics.

Dr Anochiwa Lasbrey completed his BSc and MSc degrees in Economics from the University of Port Harcourt and doctoral degree (PhD) from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria, with interest in development studies. He has widely published in both local and international journals (Energy Economics and Policy, Sustainability, MDPI, African Development Review, Latin American Economic Review, Journal of Applied Ecology, and Environmental research, Elsevier) in his area of study. He has this book to his credit: Development Economics: A convoluted History. Currently, he is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Economics and Development Studies, the Alex Ekwueme Federal University Ndufu Alike Ikwo, Nigeria. He is a two-term Head in the Department of Economics and Development Studies since 2018. He is happily married with four boys.

Ayodele Asekomeh is a Senior Lecturer and Postgraduate Academic Team Lead at the Aberdeen Business School, Robert Gordon University, UK; Adjunct Professor with the Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law, University of Ibadan, Nigeria; and Honorary Lecturer with the Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy, University of Dundee, UK. A multiple Chartered Accountant with big-4 experience, he researches and teaches the discourses among state actors, investors and other stakeholders on financing, accountability, governance, sustainability and risk in the energy and extractive industries, and has undertaken consultancy and capacity building engagements internationally.

Godson C. Asuoha is a Lecturer in the Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. He holds an MSc in Biogeography and is PhD student in the same university. His research interests are on issues of biodiversity conservation, environmental sustainability and climate change. His current research focuses on the effects of environmental factors on woody plant species diversity, examining the nexus among plant species diversity, distribution pattern, abundance, evenness and the environmental factors that drive them. He has also published some book chapters.

Smith I. Azubuike is a Lecturer in Law at Queen’s University Belfast. He was formerly a researcher in Renewable Energy Law and Sustainability at the Centre for Energy, Petroleum and Mineral Law and Policy and a Teaching at the Dundee Law School, University of Dundee, UK. He is a qualified Lawyer in Nigeria and a member of several professional associations. Smith has published and reviewed several scholarly articles and is Book Reviews Editor of the Edinburgh University Press' Global Energy Law and Sustainability journal.

Valerie Onyia Babatope is an experienced Lecturer in Babcock University, Nigeria, with a demonstrated history of working in other institutions in the higher education industry. She has authored several articles. She is also skilled in Youth Leadership, Entrepreneurial development, Business Intelligence and Business Management. Her research interests are in Mentoring, Entrepreneurship and Organisational Psychology.

Olubunmi Lawrence Balogun is currently a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Agricultural and Industrial Technology (Agricultural Economics unit), Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Ogun State, Nigeria. He is also a seasoned academic with years of experience in the university. He has contributed to a number of research publications on a variety of topics related to sustainable agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa, resource use, rural development, social network, poverty and credit issues in Nigeria. He is a member of the Nigerian Association of Agricultural Economists (NAAE).

Dr Shingirayi Chamisa is a qualified Industrial Psychologist and a Lecturer in the Department of Industrial Psychology at the University of Free State. Her teaching and research interests fall within three themes, namely positive psychology, more generally, and in terms of employee and educational coping strategies and wellness; inequality, diversity and inclusion; human capital development and transformation. Dr Chamisa's teaching philosophy is rooted in providing students with the information, tools and skills they need to be successful in a rapidly changing environment, which is becoming increasingly globalised and automated.

Rosemary Chimbala-Kalenga holds a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Educational Management. She manages the HIV and AIDS research unit at the Nelson Mandela University and promotes community engagement, advocacy and HIV and AIDS awareness. She also creates and sustains an environment that supports research and scholarship in the field of HIV and AIDS.

Dr Rachel Chinyakata is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the University of the Western Cape. She holds a PhD in Gender Studies degree. Her research interests include research on families, migration, gender, youth and health.

Dr Tafadzwa Thelmah Chitenderu is a Postdoctoral Student at Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. She holds a PhD in Economics from Nelson Mandela University, and a Master's degree from the University of Fort Hare, Alice, South Africa. She also holds a certificate in Real Estate Management and E-Business Development from UV University Amsterdam, Netherlands. Tafadzwa's research areas of interest include Public Finance, Development Economics and Monetary Economics. Together with Professor R Ncwadi she has published a chapter entitled ‘Rethinking Global Financial Architecture: The Case of BRICS New Development Bank’ in the book Rethinking Multilateralism in foreign aid: Beyond the Neoliberal Hegemony, in 2020.

Anayochukwu Basil Chukwu obtained a PhD in Development Economics from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa, an MSc degree in Economics (University of Ibadan), a BSc degree in Economics, from the Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria, and an advanced certificate in Micro-financing from Tokyo Development Training Centre, Japan. He was the former administrative officer of the Nigerian Economic Society (NES), and a former Head of Research and Training, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Lagos. He is currently a Lecturer in the Department of Economics and Development Studies, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Nigeria. Dr Chukwu is an External examiner to two universities in South Africa – University of Witwatersrand (Wits) and University of Fort Hare (UFH). He has published several academic papers. His research interest spans international trade, poverty, and energy economics. Dr Chukwu sits on the Council of the NES and is currently the Publicity Secretary of the Society.

Chukwudi Cornelius Mba, is a Lecturer and currently the Head, Department of Political Science, Madonna University Nigeria, Okija Campus. He holds BA/Ed (Government) and MSc (Political Science) degrees from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and a PhD in Political Science from Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, specialising in Public Policy and Administration. He is the author of the book, Teaching and Research Methodology in the Social Sciences (2004) and co-author of the following books: Introduction to Nigeria Political Life (2003); Concepts and Issues in Nigerian Government and Nationality (2003); Fundamentals of Social Change in Nigeria (2003) and Introduction to Nigerian Political Life (2011). He is a co-editor of the book New Perspective on the Social Sciences (1995). He has contributed over five chapters in different mainline textbooks and over 30 articles in different local and international academic journals. His research interest is on issues in Public Policy, Administration and Governance.

Chukwudi C. Nwokolo hails from Abagana in Anambra State. He holds a Master's degree in Economics from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and is also a Lecturer/Research Fellow at the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Development Research of UNN. He is happily married with children and has authored and co-authored many papers. His specialised area of interest is survey data research, and it has endeared him into many research groups. He is a reviewer to many journals in Nigeria and beyond and currently the editor of JUPEB Journal of Development and Educational Studies.

Uchenna R. Efobi was on the faculty of Covenant University, Nigeria, and Research Fellow at the Centre for Economic Policy and Development Research, Nigeria. He was also Junior Research Fellow at the Merian Institute for Advanced Studies in Africa, University of Ghana. His main research interests are the study of development policies, poverty and empowerment for the most vulnerable groups in developing countries. More broadly, his research interests intersect with health, ecological and development economics. His research has been published in journals including Small Business Economics, Environment and Development Economics and Journal of Development Effectiveness.

Obindah Gershon holds a PhD in Economics. He Chairs the Centre for Economic Policy and Development Research (CEPDeR) and is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Economics and Development Studies Covenant University. Previously, he was Director of the Vice Chancellor's Office in Covenant University and taught at Georgetown University. He is a Visiting Professor to Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique. Dr Gershon is an expert in energy and a member of the International Association for Energy Economics. He is co-editor of a forthcoming book Decarbonisation Pathways for African Cities – a volume of Palgrave Studies in Climate Resilient Societies series.

Dr Constance Gunhidzirai is a qualified Social Worker registered with the South African Council for Social Service Professions. She holds a PhD in Social Work from the University of Fort Hare in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Currently, she is a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in the Centre for Social Development in Africa, Faculty of Humanities at the University of Johannesburg. Her research work focuses on Social Protection, Community Development and Poverty Alleviation, Child Welfare and Entrepreneurship.

Dr Leah Gwatimba is an Assistant Legal Research Officer. Her research interests are human rights, women's rights, global health law, public health, gender studies, youth studies and project management. She has published various articles in the above-mentioned fields.

Bala Abdulahi Idris is a Principal Research Officer/Head of station at the National Horticultural Research Institute, Bagauda, Kano, Nigeria. His research focuses on agronomy of horticultural crops. He has authored several articles in his chosen field and has been involved in collaborative research work with research scientists in other fields.

Emeritus Professor Badar Alam Iqbal is a former Fulbright Scholar in Residence (2004 & 2016), DAAD Fellow and a Ford Grantee. He is presently serving as Editor for a Special Issue in the Journal of Chinese Economic and Foreign Trade Studies, Emerald, on Foreign Direct Divestment. His area of research includes Foreign Direct Investment, BRICS and International Trade. He has been appointed as a Member of the International Editorial Advisory Board for the South Asian Survey journal; Sage Publications. He is also Professor Extraordinaire in College of Graduate Studies, University of South Africa. Dr Iqbal serves as Emeritus Professor, External Relations Chair of Research and Research Fellow at the Frederic Bastiat Institute for African Research, Ghana.

Eze Ifeyinwa Jennifer holds BSc and MSc degrees and lectures in the Social Science Unit of the School of General Studies, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her research interest includes human resource management, conflict studies and public sector management. Mrs Eze is currently a doctoral student in the Department of Public Administration and Local Government, University of Nigeria, Nsukka.

Alidu Olatunji Kareem holds PhD in Sociology and Anthropology from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. He is currently a member of the Faculty and Senior Lecturer in the Department of Sociology, the Federal University, Wukari, Taraba State. His teaching and research areas include Industrial Sociology, Gerontology, Cultural Anthropology and Social Problems.

Musediq Olufemi Lawal is a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, Nigeria. He obtained a Master of Science degree in 2003 and PhD in 2012 (Sociology) from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria. He is CODESRIA Laureate, currently a member of the Faculty of Social Sciences and former Head of the Department of Sociology, Osun State University, Nigeria. His teaching and research areas include Health, Cultural Anthropology, Social Problem, Environment, Population and Development.

Chinedu Lilian Mba is a Lecturer in the Department of Geography, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and holds a PhD in Agricultural Geography from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Her other academic qualifications are: MSc (Geomorphology), PGDE (Education Foundations) and BSc (Geography) all from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. She is a trained Agricultural Geographer and accomplished social scientist. She has published several peer-reviewed papers in the areas of crop production and food security which includes socioeconomic assessment of flooding among farm households in Anambra state, Nigeria Water and Food Security in Nigeria, Climate Change – Threat to Food Security in Nsukka Area of Enugu State, food security situation among households in Nsukka Urban, the distribution of plant-parasitic nematodes of Musa spp. in Nsukka Agricultural Ecological zone, Enugu State, Nigeria, among others. Her research interests include Food Security and Sustainability, Climate Change, Crop and Animal production, Soil and Environmental Management.

Dauda Ayodele Morakinyo is a Doctoral Student in the Department of Business Administration, Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria. He is currently a member of Faculty of Management Sciences, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria. His teaching and research areas include entrepreneurship and general business.

Professor Ronney Ncwadi holds a PhD in Economics from Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU). Professor Ncwadi's research interests are in Public Finance, Policy Analysis, Industrial Economics and Applied Econometrics. He is a former Director in the Macroeconomic analysis Unit of the Eastern Cape Provincial Treasury between 2008 and 2010. He is a former Associate Professor and a Deputy Dean of the faculty of Management and Commerce at Fort Hare University. Prof Ncwadi is currently a Full Professor of Economics and Director of the School of Economics, Development and Tourism at Nelson Mandela University. Together with Doctor Tafadzwa Thelmah Chitenderu he has published a chapter entitled ‘Rethinking Global Financial Architecture: The Case of BRICS New Development Bank’ in the book Rethinking Multilateralism in foreign aid: Beyond the Neoliberal Hegemony, in 2020.

Marvellous Ngundu holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Johannesburg, South Africa (2020), an MCom in Financial Economics from Great Zimbabwe University, Zimbabwe (2015), and a BCom (Honours) in Banking and Finance from Midlands State University, Zimbabwe (2012). His research interests include (1) China's economic activities in Africa, (2) Growth and Development issues affecting sub-Saharan Africa and (3) Finance, Investment, Development and International Economics. Marvellous has several publications in top-rated journals and conference presentations on the Economic Growth and Development effects of Chinese Economic activities in sub-Saharan Africa. He served as a Research Fellow for China Africa Research Initiative (CARI) 2020/2021 fellowship programme on Chinese lending to Africa at Johns Hopkins University's School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). He is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the University of KwaZulu Natal (UKZN) in South Africa researching on the role of China–Africa economic cooperation in Africa's regional economic integration. Marvellous is also a guest reviewer for various journals.

Dr Leoba Nyathi is a Junior Research Fellow at the University of Cape Town. She holds a PhD in Gender Studies. Her research interests are in gender health and justice; families and social cohesion.

Dr Nceba Nyembezi is a Senior Researcher in the Department of Engagement and Transformation at Nelson Mandela University. He initiates his projects and has also undertaken commissioned research work; developed an international network and developed his research agenda. He also supervises masters' and doctoral students. He plans and delivers papers at conferences as part of the knowledge sharing agenda.

Ebele Stella Nwokoye is a Reader in the Department of Economics, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Nigeria. She holds a BSc (Ed), MSc and PhD in Economics, with research areas in economic theories, public policy, research methods, labour economics. She has contributed seven textbooks, 22 book chapters, 50 journal articles and 32 conference papers. She has completed supervisions for three dissertations and 11 theses. She was an external examiner in the University of Fort Hare, South Africa, and University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. She is currently the Head in the Department of Economics UNIZIK; Chief Editor for the Journal of Economic Studies and Editor for the Nigerian Journal of Energy & Environmental Economics; Reviewer for Economics (Science Publishing Group), Journal of Applied Statistics (Central Bank of Nigeria) and African Identities (Taylor and Francis Group); Associate Fellow for the African Heritage Institute Enugu; Member of the Nigerian Economic Society; Fellow of the Institute of Policy Management Development; Research Associate in the Centre for Sustainable Development, Awka; and Member of the Young Scholars Initiative, Institute of New Economic Thinking

Gbadebo Odularu is affiliated with the Virginia Military Institute, Bay Atlantic University (BAU), Socio-Economic Research Applications and Projects (SERAP), and Nexford University (NXU), which are all located in the United States. He holds a PhD from the University of Sunderland, UK. He was formerly a regional policy and markets data scientist at the continental Forum for Agricultural Research in Africa (FARA), Accra, Ghana. In addition to his great passion for advancing frontiers of interdisciplinary knowledge, he currently collaborates with national, continental and international partners and governments by deploying data visualisation and geospatial analytics to provide evidence-based policy tools for enhancing post-pandemic socioeconomic recoveries amongst vulnerable communities.

Victoria Okafor is a Lecturer and Researcher in the Department of Economics and Development Studies, Covenant University, Nigeria. She is also a research associate in the Centre for Economic Policy and Development Research (CEPDeR), Covenant University. Her main areas of research interest are development economics and monetary economics. Victoria has published several research papers in international reputable journals. She is a first-class graduate of economics and is currently pursuing a PhD in Economics at Covenant University.

Dr Felicia O. Okwueze holds a BSc in Political Science and an MSc and a PhD in Human Resource Management from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, where she is a Senior Lecturer and has been teaching and supervising both under/post graduate students. She has successfully completed the supervision of over 15 postgraduate students and had a successful tenure serving her department as Coordinator in the Postgraduate Programme. She has attended several workshops and enriching career development trainings including the PASGR workshop in Advanced Research Design for Multi-Method and Policy-Oriented Research and Ethnography in Kenya (2016) and in the 2019 Democratic Governance Institute session organised by CODESRIA in Cote d’Ivoire. Felicia is a Certified Advanced Research Designer and a CODESRIA Laureate. She has presented papers in many local and international conferences and has published in peer-reviewed impact factor journals indexed in Routledge and Thomson Reuters' journals on human resource management.

Felicia Omowunmi Olokoyo is a Professor of Finance and Former Director, Centre for Entrepreneurial Development Studies, Covenant University, Nigeria. Her research interest is in Banks' Performance, Foreign Direct Investments, Capital Structure, Institutions and Corporate Performance, Corporate Governance, Land-based Investments (LIs) and Development Finance where she has published over 65 scholarly articles. She has presented conference/seminar papers in many countries of the world and won several awards. She is a Fulbright Scholar and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (FCIB). She is also a member of the Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA), American Finance Association, the International Forum for Democracy and Peace (IFDP), the International Academy of African Business and Development (IAABD) and Global Trade Analysis Project (GTAP) among others. She is also a reviewer for many journals.

Dr Olusola Joshua Olujobi obtained his LLB degree from the University of Ado-Ekiti in 2005 and a BL from the Nigerian Law School, and he was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2007 as a Solicitor and Advocate of the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He obtained his LLM from the University of Lagos in 2012 and his Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Jurisprudence and International Law from the same University. He became a Notary Public of the Federal Republic of Nigeria in 2014. He is an International Legal Consultant, a Senior Lecturer in College of Law, Department of Public and International Law, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria and he was the former Sub-Dean, Faculty of Law, Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin, Ondo State, Nigeria. His experience is multi-disciplinary and spans the legal, regulatory, commercial and contractual arenas. He is a specialist in oil and gas law, recovery and repatriation of assets derived from grand corruption to prior legitimate owners. He has published in both local and international journals indexed in reputable databases such as Scopus and Thomson Reuters among others. He is a member of numerous professional associations and a reviewer for many local and international journals indexed on Scopus, Thomson Reuters and Google Scholar among others.

Dr Chukwudi Charles Olumba is a Researcher with an interest in emerging issues in urban agriculture, food security, natural resources (land and water) management and gender equality. He received his PhD from Ebonyi State University. He is a recipient of the Feed the Future Nigeria Agricultural Policy Project scholarship funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The award enabled him to undertake his PhD exchange programme at Michigan State University, USA.

Cynthia Nneka Olumba is a Lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. She is a doctorate student at Newcastle University, United Kingdom. She received her Master's degree in Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture from the University of Exeter, United Kingdom.

Adewale Olutumise is an Agricultural Economist specialising in the area of climate change, food production economics, poverty analysis and farm product analysis. He has been researching and teaching Agricultural Economics at the tertiary education level for the last 9 years, with the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State, Nigeria, being his present employer. He is experienced in conducting farm household surveys; from which he has published over 30 articles both in local and international journals and conference proceedings. He is good at econometrics and proficient in data analysis using diverse statistical software.

Esther Oluwatayo is an alumna of Covenant University, where she completed her Bachelor's degree in Economics in 2018. After graduation, she worked as a Research Analyst at the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) Secretariat. Esther believes mindfulness in the workplace is key to success – a tenet she lives out through her interests in yoga, meditation, singing and playing the piano. Esther is currently a Finance Manager at Pride Group Enterprises. In the foreseeable future, Esther aims to be a finance expert and climate change activist in the business world.

Olanrewaju Omosehin holds a Master's degree in Agricultural Technology in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Federal University of Technology, Akure, Ondo State, Nigeria, and Bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State. He also holds a mini-MBA from Tekedia Institute, Boston, USA. He has some publications to his name with several others under review in a reputable journal. His research interests are focused on international trade, agribusiness management, agricultural economics, production economics, econometrics, welfare economics and policy analysis. He is a member of many professional bodies, including the International Food and Agribusiness Management Association.

Francisca Nkemdilim Onah was born and raised in Enugu State, Nigeria. She has a PhD in Public Administration and Local Government and specialises in Human Resource Management. She worked with the Local Government system, where she rose to the rank of Head of Personnel Management before leaving to join the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, as an academic staff in the Social Science Unit of the School of General Studies. She has published many journal articles and book chapters. She has also attended both local and international conferences. Francisca is happily married and has four children.

Evans Osabuohien is a Professor of Economics and Head of the Department at Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. In 2020, he was recognised as one of the six youngest professors in Nigeria. He pioneered the Centre for Economic Policy and Development Research (CEPDeR) as well as the Regional Centre of Expertise, Ogun State (RCE Ogun), at Covenant University. He is a Visiting Professor at Witten/Herdecke University, Germany, and Eduardo Mondlane University, Mozambique. He is a fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation and Swedish Institute, among others. He has published four books and over 155 scholarly articles. He is a member of numerous professional associations, a reviewer and editorial board member for many journals.

Romanus Osabohien is a Lecturer in the Department of Economics and Development Studies and a Research Fellow at the Centre for Economic Policy and Development Research (CEPDeR), Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. His main research focus is on Social Security, Food Security, Agricultural and Development Economics. He has attended and presented research findings in both international and local conferences/workshops and has published peer-reviewed papers in top-rated journals. In addition, he is a reviewer and editorial board member for top-rated journals including Elsevier and Heliyon Business and Economics.

Joseph Oseni is a Professor of Agricultural Marketing and Value Chain in the Department of Agricultural and Resource Economics, Federal University of Technology Akure. He holds a Bachelor of Agriculture (BAgric) degree from the University of Ilorin, Kwara State, a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Agricultural Economics and Farm Management from the same university and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Agricultural Economics from the Federal University of Technology, Akure. He has published several articles both in local and international journals and conference proceedings. He is a member of many professional bodies including the Farm Management Association of Nigeria

Dr Mohd Nayyer Rahman is working as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Commerce. His area of research is International Economics and Applied Econometrics. He is Guest Editor for Special Issue on ‘COVID-19 and Its Impact on the Economies of the Developing World’ in the International Journal of Global Environmental Issues (Inderscience: Scopus Indexed). He has represented India as a Young Researcher on BRICS Studies for two consecutive years (2018 & 2019) in the BRICS International School hosted by the Russian Federation. He received the first position in the BRICS Young Research Competition 2020.

Dr Nida Rahman is a Young Professional in the ASEAN-India Centre (AIC) of Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), New Delhi, India. She has a PhD in Economics from the Department of Economics, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India. Her interest areas are highly diversified. She has keen interest in Foreign Direct Investment issues and Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs). She has contributed to academic knowledge on contemporary issues like the Sino-US Trade War and One Belt One Road project of the People's Republic of China (PRC). Her research papers display a blend of theory, empirics and policy making.

Dr Vongai S. Ruzungunde is a Lecturer in the Department of Industrial Psychology (Faculty of Management and Commerce) and a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in the Department of English, under the Social Sciences and Humanities at the University of Fort Hare. She is focusing on Interdisciplinary Studies merging the English and Industrial Psychology Department. She Holds a PhD in Industrial Psychology. Her research focus areas include Social Psychology, Interdisciplinary Studies, Personality Psychology, Employee Well-Being, Dynamics and Diversity Issues, and Gender Dynamics. She is also registered as a HR Professional, Generalist with the SABPP (South African Board for People Practices).

Dr Elvin Shava is a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in the School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy within the College of Business and Economics at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. He has published over 25 papers in both local and international peer-reviewed journals and acts as a reviewer for several international and local journals. His research focuses on Social Accountability, Public Service Delivery and Smart Governance.

Christopher Onyemaechi Ugwuibe holds a PhD in Public Administration and lectures in the Department of Public Administration and Local Government, University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His research interest covers public policy, human resources management and project management. He has to his credit a co-authored textbook and numerous scholarly articles in local and international journals, and book chapters. He is a member of many local and international professional associations, namely Nigerian Political Science Association (NPSA), International Project Management Professional (IPMP), International Union for the Scientific Study of Population (IUSSP) and Fellow of the Institute of Corporate and Public Administrators of Nigeria (ICPAN).

He was among the best 15 applicants selected for the fully funded International Summer School on Project Management (ISPM) organised by the University of Catania (Italy), between 30th September and 6th October, 2019 (www.ispm-coehar.org). Onyemaechi has attended and presented seminal conference papers across Africa and Europe.

Daniel Ufua is a Lecturer in the Department of Business Management and a Research Fellow at the Centre for Economic Research and Policy Development (CEPDeR), Covenant University, Ota, Ogun State, Nigeria. He holds Master's and PhD degrees in Management Science from University of Hull, UK. His core research interest is on systems thinking, entrepreneurship and general management. He has a preference for the use of systemic intervention and broad stakeholder engagement as a key methodology for his research practice. He has published several research materials on international outlets, some of which were carried out independently and others in collaboration with his colleagues.

Chukwuma Ume is a Lecturer at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria. He received his Master's degree in Environment and Development from the University of Leeds, United Kingdom. He is a doctorate student at the Institute of Geography, University of Bergen, Norway.

Dr Nkechinyere R. Uwajumogu is a Senior Lecturer at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. She has taught for over 12 years in the Nigerian University system. She was a recipient of the United Nations University Institute for Natural Resources in Africa (UNU-INRA) Home-based Scholar Programme as well as Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) 2019 Conference Attendance Award. She is a 2018 Fellow of African Programme for Development Economics (APORDE). Dr Uwajumogu's research interests are in the areas of development economics, particularly poverty issues, gender issues, entrepreneurship and their intersections with macroeconomic issues such as trade, investment and quality of institutions. She has many research papers to her credit and has attended several local and international conferences, seminars and workshops. Her blog, ‘Discusseconomics’, uses simplistic and realistic approaches to discuss economic concepts and issues. Dr Uwajumogu has held several academic positions and is a member of several professional bodies.

Prof Shikha Vyas-Doorgapersad is a Full Professor in the School of Public Management, Governance and Public Policy at University of Johannesburg, South Africa. Her previous lecturing experience includes International College for Girls (India), University of Zululand and North-West University (South Africa). She holds MA, MPhil and PhD degrees in Public Administration from the University of Rajasthan (India). Her research interests are in Public Policy, Gender Issues and Municipal Governance. She has presented research findings at international conferences worldwide. She has authored two books (University Book House, Jain Prakshan Mandir [Publishers in India]), edited three books (Taylor and Francis, Routledge [Publishers in New York]); contributed chapters in books and has published articles in national and international accredited journals. She serves as Editor-in-Chief, Guest Editor, Associate Editor, Editorial Board Member and Reviewer to South African and international journals. She is a member of the International Advisory Board and International Scientific Committees to various conferences worldwide. She is serving as an Adjunct Research Professor in the School of Business and Management of Uganda Technology and Management University. She is appointed as a Visiting Professor at the Riara School of Business, Riara University in Kenya. She serves as External Moderator/Examiner for MA and PhD students for several universities in South Africa, Ghana and India. She has published more than 60 articles in scientific journals.

Rowland E. Worlu is a Professor of Marketing and Organisational behaviour in Covenant University. He is a former director of Covenant University Centre for lifelong learning and the former Head of Business Management Department. He is currently the Editor-in-Chief of Covenant Journal of Business and Social Sciences. He is well published and a Visiting Professor to Eduard Modlane University, Maputo – Mozambique. He had some training in London Graduate School where he obtained the Master Class Certificate in E-Learning and Digital Marketing as well as UNESCO Basic Certificate in ICT Education awarded by UNESCO Bangkok e-learning series. He has also attended some workshops on Contemporary Leadership Dynamics in Dubai.

Temitope Olorunwa Yomi-Owojori is a Research Officer at the National Horticultural Research Institute, Ibadan, Nigeria. Her research interests are experimental design and biostatistics.

Foreword

In the first quarter of the year 2020, most African countries experienced socioeconomic and political lockdown and social distancing measures to curb the spread of the COVID-19 virus. Consequently, many African countries and the African Union Commission (AUC) implemented the COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus (CARES) programme. CARES programme intervention focused on three result areas in Africa: (1) increase social transfers, essential services, and livelihood support to poor and vulnerable households; (2) increase food security and safe functioning of food supply chains for poor households and (3) facilitate the recovery and enhance capacities for micro and small enterprises.

For instance, the World Bank – Nigeria CARES Programme is a $750 million state-driven initiative to alleviate the tumultuous impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on households, communities and businesses. The World Bank – Nigeria – Bank of Industry CARES Programme is to implement Result Area 3 as a targeted relief programme for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). A good understanding of the impact of the pandemic on the African economies requires a well-articulated compilation of studies that presents the copying strategies implemented by households, businesses and governments towards adjusting to the unprecedented shock. For instance, about four in five Africans suffered a reduction in income due to the inability to work or earn income. Furthermore, due to low demand and declining supply chains stemming from movement restrictions and financial closure, more than half of employers were unable to meet the salaries of their staff. Consequently, the insightful findings collated from this edited book will be disseminated to policymakers for tailoring appropriate and evidence-based programmatic support to Africans, especially, the vulnerable households and firms.

Consequently, the years 2021 and 2022 are critical for the socioeconomic and geopolitical recoveries for an equitable and resilient Africa. In this regard, this edited book presents an in-depth analysis of how COVID-19 scaled the pre-existing socioeconomic weaknesses in Africa. Based on available data and evidence, this book discusses the workable policy recommendations that lend themselves to re-positioning Africa for its sustainable development trajectory. At this crucial growth juncture, there is an increasing need for a systemic paradigm change. African national and continental experts, technocrats, and decision-makers should collaborate with the Socio-Economic Research Applications and Projects (SERAP) towards optimising global resources, networks, innovations and best practices for unlocking Africa's socioeconomic potentials.

As African governments attempt to better their businesses and economies, it is essential to leverage technology to democratise access and reach the last mile. However, innovative technology needs to be combined with other interventions like awareness raising, education, inclusion, diversity and equity principles.

Based on the policy recommendations contained in this edited book, SERAP is interested in striking strategic alliances with African governments towards creating awareness programmes, and applying adaptation strategies for overcoming the impact of future socioeconomic shocks on Africa's vulnerable households and minority businessess.

Sebnem Sahin, PhD

Lead Modeler, United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

Development Economics Consultant, World Bank, IFPRI, and the OECD.

President and Founder, Socio-Economic Research Applications & Projects LLC (SERAP LLC).

Advisor, Infinite-Sum Modeling Inc. http://infisum.com/index.php/2018/08/07/sebnem-sahin/

E-mails: sebnem.sahin@undp.org; sebnem@serapllc.com

Acknowledgements

The idea to embark on this project began during the COVID-19 lockdown witnessed across the world, which witnessed restriction on movement and other restrictions. The editors would like to acknowledge the engagement with academic activities in the Department of Economics and Development Studies in conjunction with the Centre for Economic Policy and Development Research (CEPDeR), the Department of Business Management both of Covenant University, Ota, Nigeria. In the same vein, the editors appreciate the Management of Covenant University as well as Bay Atlantic University, and Socio-Economic Research Applications and Projects (SERAP) to create an enabling environment necessary to embark on this edited book project.

The editors appreciate the contributions of individuals and institutions for giving conspicuous support to the development of this edited volume. Foremost on our list is to acknowledge the concerted efforts made by our authors who contributed immensely with their chapters' submission towards the achievement of the edited book project. Editors equally recognise the efforts of our reviewers who provided constructive criticisms and suggestions for improvement of submitted chapters considered in this edited volume.

We wish to acknowledge the inflicting support of the providers on the various online platforms used to advertise the call for chapters for this project. We acknowledge the broad spread of the call for chapter proposals which resulted in massive turn in of chapter proposals from which the constituent chapters and sections of the current project were built.

While this edited book project took off during the COVID-19 lockdown and its challenges, the editors appreciate the support and responses to queries by Emerald publishers all through the development of this edited volume. Also, the editors gratefully acknowledge the support and encouragement from members of their family all through the development of this project.

On a final note, we thank God, the Almighty, for the grace bestowed upon us to start and finish this edited volume in good time.

Evans Osabuohien, Gbadebo Odularu, Daniel Ufua and Romanus Osabohien

September 2021