Factors that affect food security of women with HIV/AIDs in Tetu District, Central Province, Kenya

Abstract

Kenya is the world's leading exporters of tea, coffee and vegetables. Despite its highproduction capacity, many of Kenya's 32 million people live on US$1 per day and suffer poverty and malnourishment. Limited or no access to independent food production resources and the effects of the HIV / AIDS pandemic put additional pressure on people's ability to lead healthy and productive lives. It is for this reason that the researcher has paid special attention to study food situation of these women living with HIV / AIDS in Tetu district. Descriptive survey design was used and a sample of 16 support groups was selected through stratified and simple random sampling methods.

The respondents in the study included officials or members of sampled support groups, the divisional Health and Agricultural officers and the local chiefs as opinion leaders. Questionnaires with closed and open ended questions were used to collect data, as well as observations and interview methods. The data was analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

The study found out that small land sizes and lack of access and control of family resources make women HIV positive unable to achieve food security. The burden of HIV / AIDS rests entirely on women because of their triple gender roles of productive, reproductive and society. Women give quality care and nurture to members of family when they are sick. Yet women do not receive similar treatments from family when they are sick.

The study recommended Tetu community to participatory device strategies to surmount gender stereotyping and disparity in the fight against socio-economic impact of HIV/AIDS. Food security can be achieved through participation, involvement and empowerment of all players to build synergetic approaches and avoid duplication of efforts. The information obtained in the study is useful to extension service providers in formulating responsive packages for women with HIV / AIDS in Agricultural high potential areas of Central Province in Kenya.