The commercial agricultural sector is one of the main economic drivers in southern Africa. In South Africa, for example, Commercial Agriculture contributed 2.2% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2005, and formal agriculture provides employment to about 930 000 farm workers, including seasonal and contract workers (Department of Agriculture Strategic Plan 2007, p.12). Whilst in Swaziland the agricultural sector employs 70% of the population and agriculture contributes 12 % of GDP (CSO, 2000-2001).Within southern Africa the sector is significantly impacted by HIV. Farm workers’ vulnerability to HIV has its roots in a combination of low knowledge of HIV and AIDS, poor living and working conditions, and the effects of extensive internal and cross-border migration.
Commercial Agriculture is significantly dependant on migrant farm workers, with farms often employing large numbers of seasonal workers during the different farming seasons.The migration patterns of workers often shape and create the circumstances for unsafe sexual practices on farms. Being away from home, farm workers face the stresses of separation from their families, feelings of anonymity and loneliness. Conditions on farms can also exacerbate HIV vulnerability. Available accommodation is mainly single-sex quarters and sometimes temporary structures such as tents, and recreational facilities are often lacking, which encourages alcohol and substance abuse. These factors may increase the likelihood of engaging in unsafe sexual practices.
In order to decrease the HIV risk and vulnerability of seasonal and contract farm workers sites PHASMA is undertaking the following activities:
Advocacy for Policy Development
To highlight the factors that increase HIV vulnerability among workers in the agricultural sector and raise awareness of these factors amongst stakeholders working in this sector, PHAMSA has produced Regional Guidelines on HIV and AIDS for the Commercial Agriculture sector.These guidelines provide stakeholders with practical recommendations for action to address HIV vulnerability among their workers and tools to advocate for HIV and AIDS programmes and policies in the sectors. The Guidelines were developed through a participatory process of field visits, interviews with key informants and a consultative regional workshop, with support from the European Union (EU) Regional Funds, channelled through the SADC HIV and AIDS Unit.
Research and Learning
In 2003, IOM conducted a study (“HIV/AIDS Vulnerability among Migrant Farm Workers on the South African Mozambican Border” on HIV vulnerability among migrant farm workers on 12 commercial farms in Hoedspruit (Limpopo Province) and Burgersfort (Mpumalanga Province), South Africa.
The study reported high levels of migration and mobility on commercial farms, and alarming levels of unsafe sexual behaviour among farm workers. Condom use was found to be extremely low. For instance, 63% reported never using a condom when engaging in casual sex. At the same time, levels of concurrent sexual partners were found to be high. One third of all workers reported having two or more concurrent sexual partners and in-depth interviews conducted by IOM on the selected farms suggested that this number might be even higher. At the start of the harvesting season, when young women come to the farms as temporary workers, it is not uncommon for male farm workers to have between three and five girlfriends.
This report has informed the development of IOM projects to tackle the issue of HIV in commercial agriculture. In early 2008 IOM will, in partnership with Hoedspruit Training Trust, facilitate an integrated biological and behavioural survey amongst farm workers in the Hoedspruit area (Limpopo Province, South Africa). The survey aims to increase knowledge and understanding of individual and environmental factors affecting the HIV vulnerability of labour migrants and mobile workers in the commercial agriculture sector in South Africa. The survey will be managed by the AIDS Management and Support (AMS, a specialised agency that has undertaken numerous similar surveys throughout southern Africa).
Pilot projects
Building on the research undertaken, PHAMSA developed a partnership with Hlokomela, a project of the Hoedspruit Training Trust to implement a Commercial Farm Workers HIV prevention & Care Project in Limpopo, South Africa. This partnership formed the basis of the PHAMSA Project Model which is being rolled out within different sectors.Building upon this Commercial Farm Workers project, IOM is forming partnerships with various local partners to roll out the model:
1. In South Africa IOM is strengthening its partnership with the Hlokomela HIV Prevention and Care Project. For more information click here
2. In Swaziland IOM is working with the Royal Swaziland Sugar Corporation to strengthen their HIV responses within the sugar estates of Mhlume and Simunye in Swaziland. For more information, please click here.
3. In Zambia IOM is developing a project targeting workers in the cotton industry, particularly seasonal and contract workers, and the surrounding communities. For more information, please click here
4. In Malawi, IOM is developing a project targeting farm workers. For more information please click here
