Improving food production and nutrition is one of the best ways to help vulnerable households cope with HIV/AIDS and its impacts. There is a strong two-way relationship between food insecurity and the epidemic: households affected by HIV/AIDS have less time and energy for food production, while reduced access to food increases people’s general vulnerability and accelerates the disease in those already infected. Homestead gardening can help to break this connection. It offers a wider range of potential crops than field-based agriculture, requires less time and labor and can provide a source of extra income. Meanwhile, mainstreaming HIV/AIDS concerns into agricultural programs also helps to reduce the stigma associated with HIV and build partnerships with other organizations.
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