Impact and awareness of COVID-19 on rural communities - an empirical study of India

Purpose To study the impact, awareness and preparedness of COVID-19, a pandemic that has aroused the attention of the entire world because of rapid infection rates; among the targeted rural communities as basis to analyze their self-sustainability level. Design/methodology/approach A mixed methodology/approach combining critical literature review and questionnaire-based survey has been followed in two villages, covering a sample of 150 households located in Solan district of Himachal Pradesh, India. The parameters were selected to check awareness/preparedness regarding basic guidelines, immunity, requirements of essential facilities to deal with COVID-19 patients, the effect of lockdown on social and financial status, difficulties in education. Findings The villages have the potential to transform into Smart Villages or Smart Communities with the adaption of self-sustainable processes. The self-reliance on agriculture and traditional lifestyle in targeted rural areas make them relatively safer as compared to the urban areas. The community's overall awareness about COVID-19 and its preparedness was found satisfactory, with some variations that require more innovative strategies with academic interventions. Research limitations/implications Although the scope of the study was limited to two remote villages of Himachal Pradesh (India), the results could be generalized for in-depth understanding about other villages in the state to convert them into smart villages. Originality/value It summarizes a systemic perspective based on selected parameters on how COVID-19 lockdown has affected different aspects of life in rural communities. Further, collaborative efforts and adoption of self-sustainability model can lead to the remarkable transformation of villages into smart villages.

Automated summary

The study shows that rural communities have the potential to transform into Smart Villages or Smart Communities through self-sustainable processes. The reliance on agriculture and traditional lifestyle in targeted rural areas makes them relatively safer compared to urban areas. The overall awareness and preparedness of the community regarding COVID-19 was found satisfactory, but more innovative strategies and academic interventions are needed.