HIV/AIDS has become a major concern globally as it affects different facets of a country’s
economy as well as household economics. This study aimed to determine the impact of the
disease on household food security. This was done by investigating the impact of the disease
on household livelihoods, agricultural production for subsistence purposes and household
consumption patterns.
The study followed a case study approach, and Bokaa village in Kgatleng district, Botswana
was selected as the study area. Data collection was done with the aid of a semi-structured
questionnaire in multiple households as well as by gathering information from secondary
sources. The study focused on the concept of food security as a theoretical base for the
analysis, which was mainly a cross-case analysis. The analysis of individual cases is not
presented in this thesis; nonetheless, individual cases are presented as illustrations and as
backup for the synthesis. Furthermore, the analysis of food security only focused on calorie
availability and not on nutritional quality.
The study revealed that the impact of HIV/AIDS varied according to the status in which the
household was before the onset of the disease or the subsequent death. Coping strategies also
varied, depending on household status and the level of contribution the sick family member
made to the household’s food budget. Inter-household effects and gender differentials have
been observed during the time of caring for the sick family member. Inter-household effects
have also been observed during times of food shortages. A high dependence on government
safety nets has also been observed among these households, which contributed to some extent
to lack of livelihood diversification.
The results of this study reveal the need for empowering households through training for
income-generating skills and practise of small-scale home gardening in a more sustainable
way. The need for nutrition education was also revealed, in order that traditional and
nutritious options can be included in the household food consumption patterns and not only be
regarded as an option when preferred foods such as meat are not available.