This study assesses the rural community engagement to respond to the novel coronavirus and challenges faced, and possible factors determining their preparedness and response to the pandemic in rural Ethiopia. A total of 190 sample respondents were interviewed, and then descriptive statistics and a probit model were employed for data analysis. The result revealed that various individual and community groups practiced social work response to coronavirus, but socioeconomic and other institutional factors constrained their effectiveness and performance. The probit model regression analysis indicated that the rural households preparedness to coronavirus has influenced by gender characteristics, age category, educational level (household head & family members), mobile ownership, extension service, participation in social groups, economic status, and income from off/non-farm activities. Thus, much more attention needs to be given by a government and other stakeholders to confront the virus and its possible effect.
Societal Responses and Household-Level Determinants of Coronavirus Preparedness in Rural Ethiopia