Cassava and sweet potato production for HIV/AIDS affected smallholder farmers: A case study of Zvishavane District, Zimbabwe

Abstract

This study explored the role of cassava and sweet potato, promoted by the NGO Africare, as a labour 
saving mitigation strategy in AIDS affected and drought prone Zvishavane District. The study focused on 
the impact of AIDS on livelihood assets, the current food production and food security, household income, 
and household coping strategies. A case study among 16 households was conducted. There was a low 
production of sweet potato whilst cassava was hardly grown, despite the strong promotion of both crops 
because of their labour saving effects. There was no significant contribution of these crops to food security 
and income. The households continued to lose productive assets to meet medical expenses and food 
requirements after the introduction of these crops. The sweet potato cultivation also increased the 
workload of women who were already burdened with the care giving role. It was recommended to support 
sweet potato production, which HIV/AIDS affected households are familiar with, to strengthen the 
community initiative of bartering with maize to meet their food requirements.