Description
The paper analyses the impact of COVID-19 (and associated lockdowns) on the seven elements of human security (economic, food, health, environmental, political, personal and community security) in six countries in Africa. These countries are Namibia, Tunisia, Nigeria, Kenya, Gabon, and Angola; and were selected to ensure regional representation and language diversity (Arabic, English, French, and Portuguese) in Africa. The analysis is based on Round 9 (2021/2022) Afrobarometer survey data. This data is based on randomly selected, nationally representative probability samples of between 1,200 and 2,400 adult citizens in each country. By means of a descriptive analysis of the survey data this paper demonstrates that in all six countries levels of human insecurity have increased since 2019, which have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. This insecurity was more pronounced in countries with lower Human Development Index scores (such as Nigeria, Angola, and Kenya). Populations in the six countries expressed considerable economic insecurity in their negative assessments of their country’s economic condition and overall direction, their frequent lack of a cash income, and their limited optimism about the future. Job and business losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and inadequate government assistance to tide them over, heightened their vulnerabilities. In substantial numbers, populations reported going without enough to eat, enough clean water, and medical care – challenges to food, health, and environmental security essential to a dignified life. Perceptions of personal safety varied across the six countries, with majorities in three countries reporting declines. Women and girls were particularly insecure judging from widespread reports of gender-based violence as a common occurrence, which was aggravated by COVID-19 and government lockdowns.
