Covid-19 – As discussed in the sector studies, and in another storytelling project, platform workers and sellers experienced different paths during the crisis. Those in logistics fared better as the logistic platforms established themselves as essential service providers and delivery agents. While they initially received support from platforms with PPE, more vulnerabilities were exposed, especially around health and security and the lack of social protection and benefits.
Within MSEs, demand in some shops dropped; in others, the switch to online shopping was an opportunity to deepen and expand their online presence. Some were able to quickly pivot by observing what the market needed, those importing, getting product supply was a challenge.
Farming saw a great shift during COVID-19, with a new breed of online and social farmers. Others, especially part-time farmers, struggled to oversee their farms especially during the lockdown, cessation of movement, and border closure. Others lost their business-to-business markets due to the closure of schools, restaurants, and hotels. Due to increased home deliveries and most people being at home, food demand and supply were high.
Creatives focused on their digital platforms and put in more time to connect with fans, build their audience, and tap into new ways of keeping their followers engaged. Our study sister study on COVID-19 resilience goes into more detail on some of these issues.