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

Type Thesis or Dissertation - Master of Arts
Title Factors that affect food security of women with HIV/AIDS in Tetu District, Central Province, Kenya
Author(s)
Publication (Day/Month/Year) 2010
URL http://erepository.uonbi.ac.ke/bitstream/handle/11295/5058/M'ikiara_Factors That Affect Food​Security Of Women With HIVAIDS In Tetu District, Central Province, Kenya.pdf?sequence=1
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 H1V/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 H1V/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
H1V/A1DS 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.

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