HIV/AIDS: The True Tragedy of the Commons? Exploring the Effects of HIV/AIDS on Management and Use of Local Natural Resources

Abstract

"Analyses of existing empirical studies show that local natural resource use is intensified and social structures are modified as result of HIV/AIDS. The literature on common-pool resource management and on resilience clearly shows that sustainable resource use is dependent on a well-functioning institutional structure, which is embedded in the social structure. Linking these sources of knowledge strongly suggest that HIV/AIDS is affecting the institutions that control local natural resource use. At the same time, other aspects of the pandemic are working to increase the demand for local natural resources as an important source of food and income.

"A number of links between the direct effects of HIV/AIDS (such as reduced labour force, loss of leadership, changed customs and migration) and the institutions that govern the use of local natural resources are examined. The results show that there are a number of different ways in which HIV/AIDS is likely to affect local natural resources use and management. Some of these work via changes in the demand for the resources, some via changes in the cost/benefit structure of using the resources and some via changes in the institutional structures governing their use and management. The main conclusions are that this is an alarmingly under-researched area and that there is a serious risk that HIV/AIDS will become the true Tragedy of the Commons, making the already harsh conditions for victims of the pandemic even worse."