Impact of HIV/AIDS on the Socio-Economic Lives of Infected Farmers in Benue State
1Abua, T., 2Ekele, G.E., & 2Agbulu, O.N.
1Department of Agricultural Education, College of Education, Katsina-Ala
2Agricultural Education Department, University of Agriculture, Makurdi
ABSTRACT
The study examined the impact of HIV/AIDS on the socio-economic lives of infected farmers in Benue state. The objective of the study is achieved by specifically examining relationships between HIV/AIDs and the socio-economic indices considered in this study. The study adopted cross sectional survey design. Analysis was based on primary data generated through a sample of 400 participants was drawn from 48 comprehensive treatment sites in Benue state. The instrument used was the impact of HIV/AIDS on Food Production of Farmers Inventory (IHFPFI).Pearson Product Moment Correlation was employed using the statistical tool known as Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) to test the hypothesis of the study. Findings revealed significant positive relationship between HIV/AIDS and the socio-economic indicators considered in the study. The study concludes that there was significant positive relationship between HIV/AIDS and educational attainment, farm produce as well as financial status of the infected farmers. Consequently, the study recommends that The absence of a possible cure in the near future means that households will have to deal with the pandemic for a long time to come. Research is thus essential on how rural households can best cope with the pandemic. The findings of this research have demonstrated that most of the HIV/AIDS-affected households in the rural areas are finding it difficult to survive. Hence more research is required to come up with effective survival strategies that strengthen agricultural production practices, rather than diminish them, so that the ability of affected households to cope with the disease is enhanced.
Keywords: Socio-economic, lives, infected, farmers
