· Illnesses and deaths due to HIV/AIDS create time and capacity constraints on natural resource management institutions at local and national levels, thereby reducing the sustainability of responses of woodland resources to the impact of the pandemic. As a mitigating strategy an enabling policy environment needs to be created that would also strengthen the capacity of local institutions, advocating the role of such institutions in woodland activities as a component of livelihood strategies.
· Supporting national and international non-governmental organizations assisting communities in dealing with livelihood problems must adopt programmes in counselling and adoption, the coping strategies suggested for addressing the most immediate livelihood problems brought about by HIV/AIDS-related illnesses and deaths.
