Exploring the impact of HIV and AIDS among marginalised farming communities in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa.

Background: The HIV and AIDS epidemic on a global level continues to be a challenge in contemporary societies. The impact of HIV and AIDS on the workforce in the agricultural sector in Africa needs to be explored. Aim: The study aimed at exploring and describing the impact of HIV and AIDS on the farming labour force among marginalised farming communities at Oliver Reginald (OR) Tambo District in Eastern Cape province, South Africa. Method: The study utilised a qualitative research approach with exploratory and descriptive designs, employing in-depth interviews for data collection. Thematic analysis was conducted based on the framework established by Braun and Clarke. Results: The study found that HIV and AIDS have significantly negative impacts on labour, farming skills, income and food security in marginalised farming communities in the OR Tambo Municipality. Additionally, there are challenges in accessing healthcare services, leading to treatment defaults. Conclusion: HIV and AIDS directly affect the labour force, impacting households' capacity to produce food or attend work to earn wages for food purchases. Contribution: The findings from the study would assist local stakeholders, farming forums and the Department of Rural Development and Agriculture in managing HIV and AIDS with respect to the farming labour force and farming during their programme revisions and implementation planning.