The Economic Burden of HIV and AIDS on Fish Production in Turkana County, Kenya

Estimating and determining the economic burden of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) on productivity is critical especially on the primary livelihood of any fishing community. If these communities are adversely affected by HIV and AIDS, the aggregate supply of fish may be adversely affected in real absolute numbers. It is in this reference that this study sought not only to identify factors affecting fish productivity but also to investigate the economic burden of HIV and AIDS in Lake Turkana County. To achieve this objective, the study collected primary data through structured questionnaires in the sampled areas of Namukuse and Kalokol sub-locations in Turkana County. Since HIV and AIDS is endogenous in the production model, the study applied Two Stage Least Square (2SLS) regression modeling technique to estimate the economic burden of HIV and AIDS on fish production. The findings showed that both HIV and AIDS, and the number of fishing nets significantly influence fish productivity in Lake Turkana while other diseases and age were also found to be significant determinants of fish production. Based on the study results, the study recommends that the national government and county government accelerate HIV/AIDS education among the finishing community and also fast track implementation of appropriate prevention measures such as use early diagnosis and treatment and use of PrEP given that the finishing community can be classified among the high-risk population groups