NON-TIMBER FOREST PRODUCTS IN THE COPING STRATEGIES OF THE HIV/AIDS-AFFLICTED IN SUB-SAHARANAFRICA AND IMPLICATIONS FOR HIV/AIDS MITIGATION

摘要

The socio-economic impacts of HIV/AIDS on afflicted households in sub-Saharan Africa make these households more vulnerable to food insecurity and poverty. To mitigate these consequences of the epidemic, interventions need to be based on household coping strategies. Typically a form of natural insurance for rural households, natural resources - specifically non-timber forest products (NTFPs) - may provide an important option for rural households coping with the impacts of HIV/AIDS. As NTFPs offer opportunities for income generation and make significant contributions to nutrition and health, the natural resource sector has a relevant role in the multisectoral response to mitigate HIV/AIDS in sub-Saharan Africa.