A Qualitative Study of the Impact of HIV/AIDS on Agricultural Households in Southeastern Uganda

Authors

Dawn C. Parker
Kathryn H. Jacobsen, University of RichmondFollow
Maction K. Komwa

Document Type

Article

DOI

10.3390/ijerph6082113

Publication Date

7-29-2009

Abstract

The HIV/AIDS pandemic threatens economic, social, and environmental sustainability throughout sub-Saharan Africa. This paper reports on a qualitative study exploring interrelationships between HIV/AIDS, labor availability, agricultural productivity, household resources, food consumption, and health status in rural southeastern Uganda. Respondents reported an increase in widow-and-orphan-headed households; labor shortages due to illness and caretaking; degradation of household resources from health-related expenses; loss of land tenure and assets following deaths, especially for widows and orphans; and changes in agricultural practices and productivity. Our study highlights a potential downward spiral of livelihood degradation for vulnerable households and suggests targeted interventions to improve sustainability.

Publisher Statement

Copyright © 2009, MDPI.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph6082113

Recommended Citation

Parker DC, Jacobsen KH, Komwa MK. A qualitative study of the impact of Hiv/Aids on agricultural households in southeastern Uganda. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health. 2009 Aug; 6(8): 2113–2138.