Abstract

This case study involved sugar cane production workers and railway workers who lived 30 km apart, in a farming district with agro-industries. Major roads and railway lines pass through the district, bringing in inflows of human traffic, a potential conduit for HIV infection. The two companies had a combined workforce of more than 1260 who mix with people of different social behaviours and economic status, promoting casual sex relationships among the workers themselves and with the visitors. AIDS/HIV fighting strategies have been incorporated at the two companies to protect both workers and business concerns. Data collection from random samples (90 people from each company) using questionnaires, interviews, and observations enabled collection of representative information. Numerical data were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis using the statistical package SPSS. The condom appeared acceptable at Mwenezana Estates but was rejected at Rutenga NRZ. Analysis of data pointed towards efficient catalysts for promiscuity such as poverty, poor living conditions, low education and crowding being the main enhances for the spread of HIV/AIDS. Counselling, testing and supply of ARTs might not be enough to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS. For example 76.7% of the Mwenezana Estates participants had been counselled and tested compared to 23.3% at Rutenga NRZ, but the population of Mwenezana Estates remain more heavily HIV/AIDS burdened. Although drug intervention may alleviate suffering and prolong life, the improvement of conditions of life, including communication, appears more important in the fight against HIV/AIDS.

Key words: Agricultural workers, improvement of conditions of life, interviews, observations, questionnaires, transport workers.