Sinking deeper down: HIV/AIDS as an economic shock to rural households

Abstract

Abstract This paper deals with the household level burden of HIV/AIDS in rural households in KwaZulu Natal, using case material originally collected in connection with a SALDRU/ IFPRI study of rural poverty. The paper discusses how the shocks which result from AIDS related deaths intensify the usual problems associated with severe poverty. Lessons are drawn from the case studies about the likely impacts of the loss of household members to AIDS, and the range of coping strategies that are available and used to deal with this situation. The case data draw attention to the limitations on the kinds of strategies which poor households providing foster care to AIDS orphans are in a position to try.