The human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) epidemic in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has been recognized as an epidemic requiring a multisectoral response (Baier, 1997). The main social cost of this epidemic is not the direct costs of medical care and prevention, but rather the costs of lost household output due to the burden of caring for the ill, elderly and orphaned (Barnett and Haslwimmer, 1995). For this reason, recent epidemiological studies have focused on the epidemics effects on rural agricultural communities and households. These studies suggest that non-timber forest products (NTFPs), from natural forests and agroforestry systems, may be important components of household HIV/AIDS coping strategies. Despite documentation of household socioeconomic conditions that suggest potential intensification of NTFP utilization (specifically low labor supplies), current literature reveals minimal reference to forest and tree resources in HIV/AIDS coping strategies, although their significant roles in meeting local nutritional demands have justified recent calls for the integration of forestry and nutrition in policy and planning. With more credence being given to a multisectoral response to SSA’s HIV/AIDS epidemic, governments, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), and international institutions should make an effort to understand the current and potential role of NTFPs in HIV/AIDS affected households. The purpose of this presentation is to draw attention to the potential importance of NTFPs in agricultural households affected by HIV/AIDS.
New knowledge, skills, or insights that participants will gain from session: 1) NTFPs play a significant role in household nutrition in Sub-Saharan Africa 2) HIV/AIDS may cause an increase in dependency on forest resources 3) NTFPs are often overlooked in forestry planning and research
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