A study of HIV/AIDS and livelihoods in rural Swaziland

Abstract

This study analyses the impact of HIV/AIDS on rural livelihoods in Swaziland, with specific focus on women. The HIV/AIDS epidemic has become the major threat to rural livelihoods and human security, and more particularly to the livelihoods of women. Therefore, this study was undertaken with the objective of exploring the implications of HIV/AIDS on rural livelihoods in the context of the existing gender disparities in Swaziland. The study also examines the role of cultural norms and practices in relation to the spread of HIV/AIDS and the impact of these norms on the livelihoods of women, individuals, families and the community. The study adopted the livelihood approach as a framework for understanding the linkages between HIV/AIDS and livelihoods. The livelihood approach is people-centred and focuses on the idea that people construct livelihoods by drawing on a range of assets and entitlements. This places the analysis on an individual (household) level, building from the micro to the macro level. Incorporating a gender dimension to it helped capture the power dynamics that determined livelihood outcomes and vulnerabilities of women in rural Swaziland. The study shows that HIV/AIDS is undermining all the pillars of the livelihoods indicated in the livelihood framework thereby undermining the sustainability of livelihoods. Gender disparities imposed by cultural and traditional practices keep women in subordinate positions in all areas of life in the Swazi society. Cultural practices contribute to undermining women’s livelihoods. It increases their vulnerability to HIV/AIDS, and impacts negatively on livelihood resources such as natural capital, economic capital, human capital, social capital and physical capital. The thesis argues that the gender vulnerability issue should be taken into consideration when discussing development issues in relation to HIV/AIDS.