AIDS hits food production

The HIV/AIDS pandemic could be contributing to a decline in Zambia's agricultural output due to its effect on the labour force. A recent report by the country's Central Board of Health said that loss of skilled and experienced labour has affected overall production in the Zambian economy, PANA reported. "The loss cannot be easily and immediately felt at macro-level. The impact is felt at farm and household levels, in the case of the agricultural sector," according to the report. A study conducted in the country's southern region, one of the leading agricultural areas, indicated a decline in maize production which was attributed to reduced labour and labour time, high medical costs and other costs associated with managing AIDS. In a bid to redress the situation, the agriculture ministry has embarked on a countrywide programme of HIV/AIDS sensitisation campaigns among the farmers and agricultural extension workers.