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The current challenge facing agricultural research in countries threatened by HIV/AIDS is to develop technologies that meet the evolving challenges of HIV/AIDS-affected farming households without compromising productivity and sustainability of their livelihoods. Using a livelihood approach, this book explores the suitability of the tissue-cultured banana technology in rural farming households in Central Kenya that are affected by HIV/AIDS. The author examines the effects of HIV/AIDS on adoption of agricultural innovations by answering three fundamental questions. How do assets available to farming households influence their livelihood options, activities and outcomes? What are the impacts of HIV/AIDS on farming households´ assets and consequently livelihood options, activities and outcomes? What is the role of the tissue-cultured banana in the livelihood activities and outcomes of HIV/AIDS-affected farming households? A gender perspective of access to assets, HIV/AIDS impacts, livelihood activities and outcomes is integrated.

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Faith Nguthi holds a PhD in Social Science (2007) from Wageningen University and Research Centre, Netherlands, an MSc in Horticulture (1995) and BSc in Agriculture (1985) both from University of Nairobi. She works in KALRO as a Research Scientist and has previously worked as a Senior Programme Officer at ISAAA AfriCenter.

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