This research dissertation was undertaken to increase knowledge of the effects of
AIDS related adult mortality on family structures in Namibia. Previous research focused
mainly on very specific effects like food security or the needs of OVCs. This research
includes changes in family size, form, composition, economic activities and distribution of
the care burden as a result of AIDS related adult morbidity and mortality.
The researcher combined a critical approach towards the literature with a
qualitative, ethnographic approach to the empirical study. The rural fieldwork was done in
villages around Eehana, Okongo and Engela in the Ohangwena Region of Namibia.
Fieldwork in the urban area was done in Katutura, Windhoek. The target population
consisted of HIV and AIDS affected families. Access to these families was facilitated by
NGOs that provide services to them. Semi-structured interviews (SSIs), Key Informant
Interviews (KIIs) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were the primary tools of
empirical data collection.