FIGHT AGAINST HIV/AIDS: Impact of HIV/AIDS on food security in Niger

Within the framework of the Thematic group organized by UNAIDS in Niger and with the support of the FAO representation in Niger along with the WFP, a Niger sociologists was hired in 2001 to better understand the impact of HIV/AIDS on food security and nutrition in rural areas. The study covered the department of Tahoua and the municipality of Gaya, which are notably affected by the disease.

Prejudices concerning the HIV/AIDS were a major constraint for the research. People living with the virus are subject to strong stigmatization by population and are therefore, difficult to identify.

Access to food is clearly a priority for the families affected by HIV/AIDS. The diversification of food sources and the increase of micro nutrient consumption must be encouraged. A better management of time, the promotion of activities to generate income, money saving and micro- financing will be particularly useful for households led by women and orphans. The promotion of house gardens, small animal breeding or firewood plantations can bring concrete elements of response to face this disease.

This study must be combined with an integrated communication strategy to fight stigmatization and to offer necessary information for people living with HIV/AIDS.

Such approach supposes a systematic partnership with local institutions, as well as networks among traditional solidarity, NGOs or governmental institutions. In facing this crisis, these types of initiatives have multiplied. It is now necessary to support and reinforce them.

This study brought to the surface the main areas for a FAO contribution in the fight against the HIV/AIDS in Niger. Many of these interventions can already be launched within the framework of the projects and the existing programs: FAO's Special Program of Food Security of, the revival of the rural radios, support to the elaboration of the national policy of communication and decentralization already in progress.

For more information on: - Impacts of HIV/AIDS on Food security, click on: http://www.fao.org/docrep/meeting/003/Y0310E.htm

- AIDS, Food security and nutrition, click on: http://www.fao.org/es/ESN/nutrition/household_hivaids_en.stm