The impact of HIV/AIDS on the different farming sectors in Namibia

This reports on issues related to the impact of HIV/AIDS on farming, both communal and commercial are reviewed. It begins with the impact of HIV/AIDS on the social structure in the farming communities and is followed by the impacts on labour and income, land ownership and the health and psychological well-being of affected households including school-age children in schools. Findings on the impact of the epidemic on crop and livestock production, community coping mechanisms and strategies for increasing labour productivity are also covered.Data revealed that HIV/AIDS deaths are affecting a wide spectrum of communal farmers and, to a lesser extent, commercial farmers. This is especially so in the north of the country and has resulted in a growing number of orphans. None of the commercial farmers had a clear policy or strategy for dealing with HIV/AIDS on their farms nor with their farm workers. The study further revealed that the youth, aged 15-35 years, are the most affected group in various communities. This age group comprises the active labour force and has the skills for farming which when lost can have direct effects on production. A reduction in area cultivated and lowered production has already been noted.Recommendations includefarmer organisations, government and traditional leaders and should provide HIV/AIDS education and prevention efforts and where possible provide support and counselling to the afflicted farming communitiescommunities adopt strategies that minimise the reduction of labour input and optimise co-operative enterprises and practices so as to ensure sustained agricultural production and food securitymore training and extension materials should be provided to extension agents to educate the farmers of the impact of HIV/AIDS on the farming systems and communities