Panel data evidence on the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on livelihoods in urban Côte d'Ivoire

Area of Science:

• Socioeconomic impacts of infectious disease outbreaks
• Public health policy and economic consequences
• Development economics in West Africa

Background:

• The first cases of COVID-19 in Côte d'Ivoire emerged in Abidjan in early March 2020.
• Stringent mobility and gathering restrictions were implemented from mid-March to late May 2020 to curb disease transmission.
• The study focuses on the socioeconomic repercussions of these measures in poorer urban areas.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the immediate economic and social impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on vulnerable populations in Abidjan.
• To analyze coping mechanisms, including private transfers and migration, in response to the crisis.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of government support policies and the recovery trajectory of subjective well-being and school enrollment.

Main Methods:

• Panel survey data collected from over 2,500 individuals in Greater Abidjan's poorer neighborhoods.
• Data collected immediately before and after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown measures.
• Analysis of changes in employment, income, consumption, remittances, migration, well-being, and school enrollment.

Main Results:

• Striking declines in employment, working hours, income, and food consumption were observed during the lockdown period.
• Increased private transfers within the country were noted, while remittances from abroad decreased.
• Subjective well-being was lower in December 2020 compared to baseline, though school enrollment rates recovered to baseline levels by December 2020 despite school closures.
• Government relief policies had limited reach, not effectively targeting those most in need.

Conclusions:

• The COVID-19 lockdown imposed severe economic burdens on vulnerable populations in Abidjan, with limited government support mitigating these effects.
• Despite initial disruptions, school enrollment showed resilience, but overall well-being and economic recovery remained challenged.
• The findings highlight the need for more targeted and effective social safety nets during public health crises.