The Economic Impact of HIV/AIDS on Rural Households in Limpopo Province
Author(s)
Oni, S. A.; Obi, C. L.; Okorie, A.; Thabede, D.; Jordan, A.
Abstract
This paper assesses the economic impact of HIV/AIDS on rural households in Limpopo Province. Using data obtained from 680 rural households the paper establishes empirically that HIV/AIDS affected households have lower annual income, are smaller in size, have lower savings, and spend more on transportation, funerals and health care, but less on housing, remittances and education when compared with unaffected households. The coping strategies adopted by HIV/AIDS affected households include sale of household assets, withdrawal of children from schools, and joining community support groups. In order to mitigate these impacts, policies are required that will enhance the income base of rural households via rural poverty eradication strategies.
