HIV and AIDS have hit rural livelihoods hard. How has the pandemic changed the work of rural development professionals? What knowledge, skills and attitudes do they need to meet the new challenges? Researchers from Wageningen University in The Netherlands find some answers to these questions.

HIV and AIDS have reduced family labour forces, increased costs for health care and funerals, and worsened food security risks for rural households. The current tasks, abilities and responsibilities of rural and development professionals (RDPs) cannot fully address their needs. RDPs have to respond to the changing situations of their clients, both old and new, and review approaches used in agricultural extension services.

The study aims to identify the knowledge, skills and attitudes that RDPs need to deal with HIV and AIDS issues in their work with farming families. The researchers analyse case stories, questionnaires, in-depth interviews and a focus group discussion with RDPs from East Africa (Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda) and Zambia.

They found that rural development organisations are facing increased workloads due to the HIV-related loss of colleagues, increased absenteeism and decreased financial resources. Among their rural clients, the reduced labour force and loss of farmer-to-farmer knowledge transfer are leading to lower agricultural production, food insecurity and poor nutrition. Changes in household composition mean that they have to work with new client groups. They are also adjusting to changes in agricultural practices as farmers switch to less demanding crops and labour-saving methods.

As a result of HIV and AIDS, RDPs need a range of new knowledge, skills and attitudes, including:

• counselling, facilitation and supportive and caring communication
• networking and taking a more holistic approach to their work
• lobbying and advocacy
• knowledge of HIV and AIDS basic facts and nutrition
• dealing with changed food production and livestock systems
• applying technical knowledge
• problem solving
• gender and HIV and AIDS mainstreaming.

The authors conclude that decision-makers working in rural development where HIV and AIDS are prevalent should:

• recognise the comparative advantage of RDPs and concentrate on reshaping agricultural activities so that they better meet the needs of rural households affected by HIV
• integrate competency-based training into programmes at agricultural colleges
• explore opportunities for ‘on-the-job’ training
• take a new approach that focuses on the human dimension of change.

Source(s):
‘Competencies for Rural Development Professionals in the Era of HIV/AIDS’, Compare 37 (4), pages 493-511, by D Brinkman, A Westendorp, A Wals and M Mulder, 2007

id21 Research Highlight: 27 April 2008

Further Information:
Dine Brinkman
Wageningen University
Social Sciences Group
Chairgroup of Education and Competence Studies
PO Box 8130
6700 EW Wageningen
The Netherlands

Tel: +31 317 484344
Fax: +31 317 484573
Contact the contributor: dine.brinkman@wur.nl

Social Sciences Group, Chairgroup of Education and Competence Studies, Wageningen University, The Netherlands

Other related links:
'HIV/AIDS and rural livelihoods – communicating NGO good practice'

'HIV/AIDS and the agricultural sector in eastern and southern Africa: anticipating the consequences'

'A vicious circle: poverty and HIV/AIDS in South Africa'