Investigating the impact of Covid-19 pandemic on labour productivity of maize grain millers in the central region of Uganda: a case study of maize grain millers in Kisenyi

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on labour productivity among maize grain millers in the central region of Uganda. A case study of maize grain millers in Kisenyi. A sample of 43 respondents was selected and self-administered questionnaires were used. Research findings at the univariate analysis showed that was a reduction in labour productivity after COVID-19 pandemic by 6 kilograms of maize milled per worker. At bivariate analysis, Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used. Results showed that there was both positive and negative relationship between labour productivity and the factors that affecting it. At the multivariate analysis, a multiple linear regression model was used, and following results from the analysis, it was found out that output per week (p-value=0.05), wages paid to workers (p-value=0.027), using taxis as a mode of transport to work (p-value=0.034), number of employees (workers) (p-value=0.00), number of workers with milling skills (p-value=0.002) and number of workers with mechanical skills (p-value=0.009) significantly influence labour productivity. The study recommended that employers of the maize grain millers should ensure weekly maximum production capacity in the maize grain millers, increase workers’ wages, reduce on the number of workers employed, employ more workers with milling skills and also employ less people with mechanical skills.