ABSTRACT

The study was designed to examine the analysis of farmers and extension professionals’ knowledge of the Effect of HIV/AIDS looked at the socio-economic characteristics ofthe respondents, assessing the knowledge level of the effect of HIV/AIDS on agricultural activities, identifying factors influencing the perception offarmers and extension professionals on the effects ofHIV/AIDS on agricultural activities, the factors limiting access to HIV/AIDS treatment in Abia State, identifying the opinion of the respondents on how best to reduce HIV/AIDS infection. Primary and secondary data were used obtained from 180 respondents, 90 farmers and 90 extension professionals who were randomly selected from the six (6) out of seventeen (17) LGAs in the three (3) Agricultural zones in Abia State. Well- structured questionnaire were collected from the respondents, while secondary data were collected from documented relevant review literatures. Data analyses were carried out with the use ofstatistical and econometric tools like frequencies, tables, percentages, means, 3- point likert type scale, Logit model analysis and t-test statistic. The result ofthe data analyses show that the mean age ofthe formers and extension professionals farmers and literate, young. HIV/AIDS level of awareness ofthe respondents were high (100%). Majority of the extension professionals have access to ICT, belongs to professional bodies, have access to family doctors and I unprotected sexual activities and ignorance were factors fueling the spread of HIV/AIDS in Abia state. The result of 3- point likert scale on the knowledge level of HIV/AIDS symptoms xi X 4 were 48 and 49 years respectively, indicating that they are middle aged. There were more female HIV/AIDS symptoms among the respondents, ascertaining the perception ofthe respondents on on Agricultural Activities in Abia State. It specifically more male extension professionals in the study. Majority of them were married, in the study. Primary data was earn higher income than farmers .Low risk perception/awareness, high shows that the extension professionals (93.3%) have a higher knowledge than the farmers (55.6%). The respondents perceived reduction in the size ofland cultivation and increase in price of food as major effects of HIV/AIDS on agricultural activities. Poverty/cost of treatment, absence ofHIV/AIDS screening centers, drugs and medical experts, inaccessibility to rural areas and stigma/not knowing where to go were significant variables affecting access to HIV/AIDS treatment in Abia state. The result ofrespondents on significant difference on perception, control and knowledge level of farmers and extension professionals shows that there is a significant greater than t-tabulated (1.753). The respondents infections, prevention and behavour change, NACA and related bodies to be mandated to ensure that anti-retroviral drugs get to the hands of people living with AIDS, to reduce the economic burdens on their families are effective strategies to minimize HIV/AIDS. In view of these, it is recommended that the extension professionals should see HIV/AIDS as one of the challenges facing agricultural extension services and play on “empowerment role as it affects agriculture. This measure would improve HIV/AIDS learning, knowledge sharing and information management among farmers, rural dwellers, as well as enhance agricultural activities. Government should provide and improve accessibility and affordability and quality of STIs health services. This would increase access to comprehensive gender-sensitive care, treatment and support services forthe general population and people living with HIV/AIDS.