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Understanding the linkages between HIV/AIDS and agriculture

The agricultural sector has been seriously affected by the HIV/AIDS crisis. In parts of eastern and southern Africa, HIV prevalence rates exceed 15 percent. The disease has contributed to a loss of assets, loss of land, and, in some cases, labour shortages. As a result, crop production has declined for many farm households and rural inequality appears to have increased. Agricultural policies need to take account of these changes. Agricultural growth built on policies sensitive to the impacts of HIV/AIDS is essential if poverty caused by the disease is to be reduced.

Research from Michigan State University and the Food and Agricultural Organisation examines the links between HIV/AIDS and the agricultural sector. The study emphasises the impact of the disease on different elements of agriculture. HIV/AIDS affects access to land, and reduces physical and financial resources, such as labour and knowledge. These impacts are felt to varying extents in different places. Key findings include:

Rural inequality is likely to have increased as a direct result of HIV/AIDS. Vulnerable families often need to sell cattle and equipment to wealthier farmers. Land inheritance laws and cash crop arrangements often create distinct disadvantages for widow-headed households, an increasingly large group in areas hit by the disease.
A reduction in household assets and wealth means families have less money to buy new seeds, fertilisers and other agricultural technologies. Families often lose important remittance income if migrant workers are taken ill or return home to undertake farming activities formerly provided by a family member who has become ill.
HIV/AIDS affects the transfer of farming knowledge between generations. This loss of expertise and experience can be more serious than the loss of labour.
Care responsibilities often fall on women: this reduces their time for non-agricultural income earning activities. Widows and orphans are also particularly vulnerable to the loss of land rights.
Fewer animals for ploughing may increase the demand for labour. This may raise the demand for crops requiring less labour and lower cash. However, the potential lower profitability and nutritional content of these crops means donors and governments must avoid recommending these without careful analysis of economic and nutritional implications.

One of the best ways for agricultural policies to reduce the impact of HIV/AIDS is to contribute to poverty reduction, whilst supporting agricultural growth. Key responses include:

Investments in agricultural research to improve the productivity of crop and livestock systems. Labour-saving forms of weeding and land preparation should be promoted where labour scarcity is a problem.
Secure land tenure would reduce the risk of permanent land loss for vulnerable households who rent out land they cannot farm. Insecurity of land tenure for women should also be tackled.
Extension workers are particularly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS. More workers are needed to respond to the loss of farming knowledge. They should be specially trained to work with women, the elderly and the very young, and to contribute to HIV/AIDS awareness.
Markets for inputs need to be improved, along with markets for agricultural produce. This will require investment in roads and rail to lower transport costs.
All existing policies and programmes should be reviewed and modified with a view to limiting the spread and impact of HIV/AIDS. Learning from places successful in reducing the prevalence of HIV/AIDS (such as Uganda) may help.

HIV/AIDS is not simply a problem for Ministries of Health. A multi-sectoral approach to reducing the problem is essential. Policy-makers need to consider all possible changes and impacts and develop appropriate responses.

Contributor(s): Thom S. Jayne, Marcela Villarreal, Prabhu Pingali and Günter Hemrich

Source(s):
'Interactions between the Agricultural Sector and the HIV/AIDS Pandemic: implications for agricultural policy' Agricultural and Development Economics Division, FAO, ESA Working Paper No. 04.06, by Thom S. Jayne, Marcela Villarreal, Prabhu Pingali and Günter Hemrich, March 2004

id21 Research Highlight: 15 February 2005

Further Information:
T.S. Jayne
Department of Agricultural Economics
216a Agriculture Hall
Michigan State University
East Lansing, Michigan
48824
USA

Tel: +1 (517) 355 0131
Fax: +1 (775) 415 8964
Email: jayne@msu.edu

Department of Agricultural Economics, Michigan State University

Views expressed on these pages are not necessarily those of DFID, IDS, id21 or other contributing institutions. Unless stated otherwise articles may be copied or quoted without restriction, provided id21 and originating author(s) and institution(s) are acknowledged.

Week beginning Monday 11th July 2005

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