THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 PANDEMICS ON SOCIAL ACTIVENESS OF POLISH FARMERS

Abstract

Covid-19 pandemic was undoubtedly a shock to the economies and societies worldwide. It caused changes in law regulations, human behaviour, and conditions for economic development. People reduced socialising and changed the forms of social life. This might have consequences for future networking and information sharing, which affects (among others) innovation adaptability and propensity to cooperate. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of the pandemic on social activeness of Polish farmers (in formal organisations and informal cooperation). Basing on 124 phone interviews with village administrators representative for all regions of Poland it was revealed, that in general the activeness decreased in the first year (with some exceptions), and the changes in the second year were not uniform. The number of organisations present in the villages did not change significantly, but their activeness was changing. The largest decline was visible in jointly selling agricultural products and in joint work for the common good of the village or NUTS 5 commune. The largest increase was visible in giving a lift to a shop, doctor, or nearest town and in doing everyday shopping.