Impact of HIV/AIDS on Food Security in Pala Sub-Location, Bondo District, Kenya
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Date
2017
Authors
Otieno, S. B.
Were, Fred
Kabiru, Ephantus W.
Waza, K.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology (WASET)
Abstract
—Background: HIV/AIDS is leading to the loss of labor
through sickness and subsequent death, this is leading to the neglect
of farm and off-farm activities, with the subsequent loss of potential
income and food security. The situation is sensitive to seasonal
labour peaks in agriculture. This study was done to determine the
impact of high HIV prevalence in farming systems and food security
in Pala Bondo District, Kenya. Methods: In this study, 386
respondents were randomly chosen in Pala Sub-Location. The
respondents and key informants were interviewed using structured
questionnaire. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS
version 16. Results: It was established that majority of respondents
(67%) were between 18 and 35 years {χ2 = (1, N = 386) = 13.430, p =
0.000} (chimney effect). The study also established that 83.5% of
respondents were married {χ2
= (1, N= 370) = 166.277 p = 0.000}
and predominant occupation being farming and fishing (61%), while
52.8% of farm labour was by hand, 26% by oxen, and 4.9%
mechanized. 73.2% of respondents only farm 0.25 to 2 acres, 48%
mentioned lack of labour in land preparation {χ2 ((1,N = 321) =
113.146, p = 0.000), in planting {χ2
(1, N = 321) = 29.28, p = 0.000}.
Majority of respondents lack food from January to June, during
which 93% buy food. Conclusion: The high HIV prevalence in Pala
has affected the farm labour leading to food insecurity
Description
Research Article
Keywords
Food security, HIV, AIDS, Labour
Citation
International Journal of Biological, Biomolecular, Agricultural, Food and Biotechnological Engineering Vol:11, No:1, 2017