The impact of COVID-19 on food security, employment, and welfare among Zimbabwean migrants in South Africa: a gendered perspective

Abstract

The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has impacted the world economy significantly, especially food security, employment, and welfare among migrants in developing countries. In South Africa, the majority of migrants are involved in the informal sector and lack social protection mechanisms to buffer the crisis. This study contributes to knowledge and provides empirical evidence of the disproportionate gendered impact created by the pandemic on Zimbabwean migrants. A proportionate random sample of 267 migrants was drawn from a population of 500 migrants in Bloemfontein, and the impact was assessed using propensity score matching and endogenous switching regression methods. The results showed a substantial increase in food insecurity and a decline in nutritional quality mostly among men migrants. The pandemic constrained women’s employment participation and impacted the welfare status of men migrants the most, in relative terms. The social support received was proved to be insufficient to improve food security and welfare status. Thus, while men and women migrants were disproportionately affected, it is imperative to design gender-sensitive policy interventions to support migrants during crises, such as government and NGO social support initiatives to cater to food security, unemployment, and welfare.