Rural vulnerability and institutional dynamics in the context of COVID-19 : a scoping review
Date
2022Author
John, Sokfa F.
Okem, Andrew E.
Mubangizi, Betty C.
Adekanla, Niyi
Ngubane, Londeka P.
Barry, Ibrahima
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This study reviewed the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on pre-existing
vulnerabilities in rural communities using the scoping review strategy. It focused on
manuscripts published on the topic in 2020. Based on 39 studies that met our inclusion
criteria (out of 507 studies), we note that COVID-19 is exacerbating pre-existing rural
vulnerabilities, including poverty, remoteness, socio-economic marginalisation and high
unemployment. There is limited evidence that rural communities are resilient to the
pandemic. Reduction in household expenditures and the community food system are the
only reported forms of resilience. Although local institutions are supporting rural
communities in responding to the impacts of the pandemic, several institutional dynamics
undermine the effectiveness of the response. The increased risk of the pandemic is likely to
reduce incomes and standards of living amongst poor communities. Thus, coping strategies
were identified such as starting small gardens in communities, diet changes, targeting
community markets with produce rather than retailers and food swap using social media,
with food swap being the most adopted coping strategy. Although this study does not offer
a comprehensive picture of the levels and nature of vulnerability, resilience and institutional
dynamics of rural communities in different parts of the world reveal the limitations of
existing knowledge of the vulnerability of rural communities in the context of COVID-19.
This underscores the importance of further studies on rural vulnerability in the context of
COVID-19 that will enable evidence-based responses to the pandemic in rural contexts.