Integration of HIV/AIDS activities with food and nutrition support in ...

Integrated Programme Strategy 9:
Support for the establishment of home gardens
and agricultural plots for PLWHA
and HIV/AIDS-affected families
Where resources and national and local government policies allow, the establishment
of gardens or agricultural plots for refugees should often be the first priority in a food
security programme. People living with HIV/AIDS and their families should be eligible
for gardening (horticultural) and agricultural programmes, taking their time and
labour constraints into consideration. It is preferable that this programme
is implemented alongside one for the entire refugee community, to reduce
the risk of stigmatization. Gardening, particularly of fruits, vegetables, pulses
and legumes, can increase the diversity of the diet, earn valuable income,
and promote social and physical activity.
What does this integrated programme strategy aim to achieve?
Gardening or agricultural cultivation by HIV/AIDS-affected families should be viewed as
an integral component of their long-term livelihood, nutrition, health and psychosocial
support systems. For AIDS-affected people who depend on a general ration, fruits, vegetables,
pulses and legumes from gardening projects can improve dietary diversity, increasing the
levels of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and protein, which are vital to maintain the
strength of their immune system. The physical activity of gardening helps maintain strength,
body weight and mobility. Those who participate in communal gardening benefit from social
contact, which can prevent isolation and depression.
How would this integrated programme strategy be implemented?
Institutional collaboration and coordination. People living with HIV/AIDS are often identified
through confidential health services. To enrol them in an agricultural or horticultural
programme, health staff should collaborate with community development staff who manage
livelihood programmes. Nutrition staff may also assist in the selection and cultivation of
nutrient-dense foods for participating families.
Emphasis on participatory and community-led approaches. Agricultural cultivation should
be encouraged for all refugees, not just HIV/AIDS-affected households. The agricultural programme
may be modified for PLWHA in several respects: they may need additional support
with inputs, and the types of crops grown may reflect their ability to work and their elevated
nutritional requirements. It may be preferable to involve vulnerable households in communal
gardening projects to promote social integration and enhance the success of the project.
Logistics of implementation. Land allocation for refugees can be a delicate political issue, particularly
where land is scarce or infertile. The closest plots, and those on flatter terrain, should
be allocated to people with limited or declining mobility. Poorer families may need support to
meet the cost of inputs (e.g., tools, seeds/seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides) for the first one or
two seasons. Fast-growing, nutritious crops with low labour requirements should be the main
focus.
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