Analysis of the Effect of HIV/AIDS on Productivity and Welfare of Women Farmers in Abia State

Abstract

The study investigated the effect of HIV/AIDS on productivity and welfare of women farmers in Abia State. Agriculture is the main source of livelihood in rural communities of Abia State and the state has recorded a tremendous increase in prevalence rate of HIV/AIDS epidemic in recent time, despite all the efforts of the State Government in the fight against the epidemic. A total of 150 respondents were randomly selected for the study. Data were collected through the use of structured questionnaire and then analyzed with the use of simple descriptive and inferential statistics. Major findings of the study revealed that majority of the respondents were married (92.7%); 38% of them were middle aged. Most of the respondents have various levels of educational attainment with 32% of them without formal education. The study further revealed the various ways the epidemic has affected the respondent; 19.8% of the respondents affected with HIV/AIDS complained about being isolated from people, 24% complained about reduction in cash flow while 22% complained about their inability to work. While those families not affected with HIV/AIDS complained about time loss (21%), 14% complained about restriction in land use and 20% of them indicated a reduction in household income. The T-test result also revealed a significant difference between the income of those affected with HIV/AIDS and those not affected at 1% level of significance. From these findings, HIV/AIDS has some effect on both families (those affected and those not affected). The study therefore, recommends that stakeholders need to progressively review agricultural situations through an HIV-lens in order to respond effectively.

Key Words: Rural Women Farmers, HIV-lens, and Food Security