The role of village chickens in HIV/AIDS mitigation in Manica and Sofala provinces of Mozambique

摘要

In households where there is a lack of able-bodied workers, such as those affected by HIV/AIDS, village poultry provide a source of income and high-quality nutrition without requiring much in the way of labour or financial inputs. Restocking with village chickens can be of utmost importance for poverty alleviation, as the poorest households and families affected by long-term disease such as HIV/AIDS find chicken raising an easy activity that can contribute to household food security and income. Giventhat women are the main carers of sick people, and that chickens are usually under women's control, chickens can play an important role providing them with additional resources to carry out their important task of supporting people living with HIV/AIDS.This paper presents a case study on the improvement of village chicken production by junior farmers and people living with HIV/AIDS in Mozambique. The case study demonstrates methodologies that contribute to the wellbeing of both households and communities through improved food security and HIV/AIDS mitigation.