The ‘new variant famine’ (NVF) hypothesis posits links between HIV/AIDS and novel
patterns of impoverishment, food insecurity and hunger, in southern and eastern Africa.
This paper explores the relevance of the NVF hypothesis to understanding Swaziland’s
recurrent food crises in the light of high HIV prevalence. Evidence shows all four
markers of NVF are present in Swaziland. The national government and the international
community will have to contend with this phenomenon in future planning for the
wellbeing of Swazi citizens.