Exploring the role of socio-cultural and political construct in influencing behaviour change in Zimbabwe - The case of HIV and AIDS affected households in Makoni district. Matsvange Diego 1 Brighton Kashiri 2, Beloved Bhasopo 2 Family AIDS Caring Trust (FACT)

RESEARCH BACKGROUND Over the years the fight against effects of HIV and AIDS has largely concentrated on the financial, human and physical capital. Little attention was accorded for social, cultural and governance dimensions. The absence of a strong social network limits the capacity of affected households to fully recover from HIV and AIDS related shocks.

BACKGROUND Culture, social capital and the governance are recognised as emerging determinants for HIV and AIDS reduction factors Paper stresses the value of social capital in the fight against HIV and AIDS It examines the net effects of culture and governance in developing the social economy.

Research objectives Assessing the role of community safety nets on mitigating the effects of HIV and AIDS in rural settings Determining the extent to which social capital is complemented by culture and governance Establish key players in the social economy, their roles and frustrations

…About social economics “Reciprocity is the social mechanism that makes associational life possible. When reciprocity finds economic expression for the provision of goods and services to people and communities it is the social economy that results.” John Restakis 2006

SOCIAL ECONOMY Examines how social norms, ethics and other social philosophies influence behaviour change and shape HH economy, Economics that focuses on the relationship between social behavior and economics

Social capital Institutions, relationships, and norms that shape the quality and quantity of a society's social interactions.

Adapted theory of change analysis

The Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) SCT proposes that people are driven not by inner forces, but by external factors. Suggests that human functioning can be explained by a triadic interaction of behaviour, personal and environmental factors. This is often known as reciprocal determinism.

Generalised findings

Key findings policy framework The policy framework in Zimbabwe incorporating HTS, free access to condoms and information is key in influencing behaviour change Zimbabwe’s National HIV and AIDS Strategic Plan zero new HIV infections; zero discrimination; and zero AIDS-related deaths ‟ by 2015

Key findings – the social eonomy 100% of respondents have been affected by HIV and AIDS 88% of these were female respondents Social and cultural platforms : funerals, meetings, Church traditional gatherings identified as key in influencing behaviour.

Key institutions and influence – the social economy Clinics Savings groups Government NGOs Youth centres Support groups BCFs, VHWs

Key findings – the social eonomy

Key findings- socio-cultural practices There are still some cultural practices that militate the fight against HIV and AIDS ranked by perception as follows:

Key findings- socio-cultural practices Concurs well with the HIV and AIDS in Zimbabwe report

Key facts Human lives are not lived in isolation It is the cultural, socio-political factor that surround and buttresses human behaviour

Conclusions Households living with limited social capital comparatively struggle more to recover from any form of shocks. CBSs are an integral component for the provision of social capital. The effectiveness of these is however a function of political environment and culture

…Conclusions Churches and savings groups are key in shaping human morality and behaviour in communities affected by HIV and AIDS These institutions can also be disfranchised by a polarised political environment or governance systems Functional community systems cultivate people's beliefs in their capabilities. Socio-cultural cohesion is critical for societies to prosper economically and for development to be sustainable. Culture plays an important role in shaping people behaviour and their perceptions on HIV and AIDS.

Conclusions Savings groups improves social capital in marginalized communities Presence of social capital improves the effectiveness of HIV and AIDS reduction Use of community based structures stimulates the accumulation of social capital. Social capital is not just the sum of the institutions which underpin a society – it is the glue that holds them together. A supportive policy and cultural system enriches the social capital and enhances behaviour change

Recommendation Use of community led responses key in unlocking the social capital Listen, Learn Act Governments should provide an enabling socio- economic and political environment to effectively drive the HIV and AIDS reduction agenda

Think point Mahaka (2001:82) observes and reiterates that “we cannot hope to combat the HIV/AIDS scourge if we ignore the socio-cultural forces that shape the behaviour of the people”.

Think point David Chikoka Bertha Mukome Tinashe Takaidza Tapiwa Mandudzo Godfrey Mahangate Brilliance Rejoice Macheka Constance Mutambara

Questions and comments