Forests as safety nets for mitigating the impacts of HIV/AIDS in southern Africa

BACKGROUND

70% of the people infected with HIV/AIDS are in Southern Africa, and the disease is perpetrating the already existing poverty in the continent. The impacts of the disease have led to livelihood change, as more funds in households are channeled to health care. To cater for these pressures and shocks households can resort to the use of forest products and in trading them to generate income. Some families have begun to rely on traditional remedies due to their low cost.

CONCLUSIONS AND TAKEAWAYS

According to the authors, there is need to recognize and increase the safety net role of forest products. There is need for interventions on improving forest management to ensure sustainability of forest yields. Institutional support for commercializing and expanding the market of these forest products is needed. Furthermore, there is need to work with other sectors to support HIV/AIDS affected households. Further research on the complex linkages and feedbacks between HIV/AIDS and natural products is of paramount importance.