The imapct of HIV/AIDS on the developement of SMEs among the urban poor: a case study of Mathare slums

Abstract

This study will examine the extent to which HIV/AIDS has affected the development of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the slums. HIV/AIDS imposes a great financial strain to the infected and also to those offering economic support to the infected. No cure has been found for HIV I AIDS todate.

The SMEs sector is very important in the development of a country's economy, especially in Africa where full industrial development has not been realized. The significance of the sector can be seen in terms of its contribution towards economic growth, employment creation, poverty reduction and development of an industrial base. A threat to this sector would deal a deadly blow to the fight against poverty. This problem therefore, needs to be addressed urgently.

This study will examine-the impact of the pandemic on the development of SMEs and the various coping mechanisms currently being employed by the entrepreneurs to ensure the survival of their businesses. It will examine the activities of MFIs, NOOs and government agencies working in Mathare slums to find out how their SME development have been affected by this scourge'."The study will then offer recommendations on how to ensure that the development of SMEs is not hindered by HIV/AIDS. This would ensure that the households infected and those affected by the scourge maintain a strong financial safety net and hence do not recede into abject poverty as a result of this deadly pandemic.