Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causing the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is invading rural farming communities in Africa and posing a great threat to agricultural production and food security in a continent already ravaged by war and famine. AIDS is no longer just a health problem but a concern for agricultural extension workers as well. Therefore, understanding potential factors that may be fueling the spread of the disease, such as, polygamy, illiteracy, and circumcision could help in the development of an extension education curriculum on HIV/AIDS. This article calls on agricultural extension workers, particularly in Africa, to get involved in HIV/AIDS education because the future of agriculture and food security depends heavily on eradicating the pandemic.

Keywords: HIV/AIDS, Extension Education, Food Security, Small Farmers, Women in Development, Agricultural and Rural Development, and Health Communication

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