Effects of HIV AIDS Related Illnesses and Death on Agricultural Production A Case from Nyando and Kericho Districts in Kenya

Abstract

The agricultural sector of Kenya is facing severe social and economic crises due to the effects of HIV /AIDS related illnesses and deaths. This study examined the effects of HIV/AIDS related illnesses and deaths on agricultural production in the Nyando river basin of Westem Kenya using household production data obtained through a one-year longitudinal survey and household health data obtained through a cross section survey conducted on a recall basis. Firstly, 103 agricultural households were randomly sampled, out of which there were three different household categories namely death-affected, illness-affected and non-affected. Using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Ordinary Least Squares (OLS), Two-Stage Least Squares and Logit models, the effects of chronic illnesses and deaths on a number of outcomes, namely household purchased input, labour input applied in production, cultivated land area and land and labour productivity, were then examined and quantified. Results indicate massive diversions of labour and fmancial resources from agricultural activities to pay for medical and funeral expenses. Significant effects of HIV/AIDS related illnesses and deaths were found on purchased inputs used, cultivated land area, agricultural labour input and crop production. These effects varied depending on whether chronic illnesses in households led to at least one death or not. The effects of HIV/AIDS related illnesses and death on cultivated land area, purchased inputs and agricultural labour input were found to be highly responsive to gender and age of the persons affected. Deaths of female household members led to increased labour application per unit area, while those of male members led to declines. Indications of households shitting from production of labour or capital intensive crops to less intensive ones were found. The study recommends that HIV/AIDS-affected communities be oflered a range of technologies, including labour-saving technologies for households more constrained by agricultural labour losses, and less capital- intensive technologies for households facing severe cash constraints resulting from prolonged illness and death of prime income earners. It further recommends that various coping strategies adopted by households afflicted by HIV/AIDS deaths or long illnesses should be strengthened and encouraged in order to sustainably mitigate such effects.