Safety nets

Communities have developed a range of strategies to assist their members in surviving the impacts of HIV/AIDS, as well as other threats to their livelihoods and food security.

Most of these strategies are traditionally based and coupled with extended family support. They account for the vast majority of assistance provided to AIDS-affected households.

Social support groups, savings clubs and credit associations, self-help groups, community based organizations, income generating projects and exchange of labour are all essential in supporting rural livelihoods.

Community support through labour sharing and food sharing from communal plots are fundamental to households affected by HIV/AIDS. External support from donors, NGOs, religious organizations or other groups should be directed towards strengthening these kinds of community-based initiatives rather than replacing them.