Impact of HIV/AIDS on the Agricultural Sector in Northern Namibia

Abstract

In agrarian societies, HIV/AIDS extends far beyond the realm of healthcare into agricultural production and food security as well. Namibia is a developing country with a large portion of its population involved in agriculture; the average HIV/AIDS infection rate of 21.3% in the country leaves a large portion of agricultural workers living with or affected by HIV/AIDS. The purpose of this study was to further evaluate the impact of HIV/AIDS on national and community level food security in northern Namibia by ascertaining the perceptions and experiences of local farmers living with HIV/AIDS. In addition, this research aims to define the specific training needs for this population, and to identify possible barriers to access. Four focus groups and four key informant interviews were conducted in northern Namibia, and participants were asked a variety of questions relating to People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in agriculture. Qualitative analysis drew out prevailing themes and ideas from the data. This study found that there is a greater need for HIV/AIDS specific education and programs targeted to HIV/AIDS infected agrarian workers. Additionally this study found there were barriers to education present in the current system, and identified needs for joint programming initiatives between the ministries of health and agriculture.