The poultry industry of Botswana comprises two important production systems: the commercial sector that uses exotic breeds of chickens and improved housing and nutrition (high-input, high-output system); and the village system, which uses mainly indigenous Tswana chickens (low-input, low-output system). A study was conducted in two villages of Chobe district of Botswana and 44 households were involved. The objective of the study was to investigate the roles played by village poultry in food security and HIV/AIDS mitigation. Data were collected using a formal questionnaire and direct observation.

The study showed that chickens accounted for 81.62% of the poultry species reared, while guinea fowl, pigeons and ducks made up the remaining 18.34%. It was found that, in rural areas, most people (especially women) kept chickens mainly for meat and as a source of income. Chickens were sold to meet family needs and the average price per bird was P42.76±7.87, equivalent to US$6.53. The money from the sale of chickens was used to pay for school fees, transport fees, health services, to buy school requisites (pens, uniforms and books) and groceries (including fruits and vegetables). In addition, some money was used to purchase smallstock (sheep and goats), which could in the future be sold to buy cattle to provide milk and draught power.

These results indicate that village poultry play an important role in family food security and HIV/AIDS mitigation in the rural villages.