Datta, D., and Njuguna, J., 2009, Food security in HIV/AIDS response: Insights from Homa Bay, Kenya, Journal of Social Aspects of HIV

2.4 APPROACHES TO ENHANCE LIVELIHOODS, EQUITY AND INCLUSION

2.4.7. Strengthening IE with attention to people affected by HIV

Recommendation: 7) Engage people affected by HIV in non-farm rural activities, whose financial contribution is minimal but extremely important for the whole community at the same time.

Reference: Datta, D., and Njuguna, J., 2009, Food security in HIV/AIDS response: Insights from Homa Bay, Kenya, Journal of Social Aspects of HIV, Vol. 6, No.4

Evidence sample: the paper takes the case study of a pilot farming initiative in Homa Bay, Kenya. It argues that once patients are stable, they can effectively be engaged in farming with minimal financial and technical support, resulting in enhanced food security of the affected households. More importantly, it helps to reduce HIV/AIDS-related stigma and improve the individual’s self-esteem. The paper recommends the sensitive scaling-up of this approach. However, to ensure effectiveness and wider reach, government needs to view agriculture through an HIV lens and promote a multisectoral approach that recognises the relationship between HIV/AIDS and food security. A number of immediate actions are required to strengthen this relationship, such as increased public investment to augment extension services, subsidise farm inputs, and develop infrastructure including agricultural markets.