The Impact of El-Nino-induced drought on rural learners afflicted with HIV/AIDS: a study on poverty in Zimbabwe

Abstract

The main issue addressed in this research is impact of El-Niño-induced drought on rural learners afflicted with HIV/AIDS in Zimbabwe, and associated challenges of poverty. Then objective of study was to investigate lived experiences of these vulnerable learners and how compounding effects of drought and HIV/AIDS exacerbate their existing socioeconomic hardships. This qualitative study involved in-depth interviews with 15 purposively selected participants. A semi-structured interview guide was used to gather data, which was then thematically analysed. Therefore, research findings reveal that El-Niño-induced drought has had devastating impact on already precarious livelihoods of rural learners living with HIV/AIDS. Lack of access to clean water, food insecurity, and inability to afford healthcare and educational expenses have pushed these learners deeper into poverty. The study also found that psychological and emotional toll of dual burden of drought and chronic illness further exacerbates their challenges and undermines their academic performance and overall well-being. Resultantly, this study recommends that policymakers and community stakeholders implement comprehensive, multifaceted interventions to address intersecting issues of drought, HIV/AIDS, and poverty. This includes providing targeted nutritional support, improving access to healthcare and educational resources, and strengthening social safety nets to alleviate financial and psychosocial burdens faced by these vulnerable learners. Consequently, implications of this study highlight urgent need to adopt a holistic, community-based approach to supporting rural learners affected by compounding crises of environmental shocks and chronic health conditions, in order to ensure their educational and socioeconomic resilience.