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.