Food Insecurity, Poverty, and HIV/AIDS

Most socioeconomic studies of HIV/AIDS in Sub-Saharan Africa have emphasized impacts and responses, particularly regarding issues surrounding household welfare, broad socioeconomic consequences, and social responses (Bukusi 2008; Kapunda 2005; Muiruri 2008; Nuwagaba 2005; Pankhurst et al. 2008). A number of studies have examined the interfaces between food insecurity, poverty, and HIV/AIDS (see for example Crush et al. 2011; d’Adesky 2007; Gillespie 2008; Ogunbayo 2004; OxfamInternational and Save the Children-UK 2002; Russell 2005; UNAIDS 2008; USAID and PEPFAR 2007; Weiser et al. 2007). Most of the studies have failed to consider different agricultural, socioeconomic, and cultural environments, thus failing to capture context-specific dynamics. Drimie and Casale (2009) warned that a combination of HIV/AIDS, food insecurity, a weakened capacity of governments to deliver basic social services, and compromised resilience or ability of households to cope threaten the current and future welfare of people, particularly children, in several southern African countries.