Problems of Economic Responses
This section looks at problems which orphans and other vulnerable children may face because of responses they make to cope with the economic situation they face. Other sections look in more detail at the specific problems of child labour and economic and sexual exploitation.
HIV/AIDS affects the economic position of children and their families. Parental illness and death reduces family income. Families spend more on health care. These changes make children and their families poorer. Children and their families respond to these changes in a number of ways. Some of these ways help to meet immediate, survival needs, such as for food but increase vulnerability in the long-term. Children and young people without adult care are particularly affected. Examples of responses which increase children's long-term vulnerability include:
- Change in farming practices . These include the shift away from cash crops and sale of farm-related assets.
- Removal of children and young people from school to save money.
- Involvement of children and young people in child labour.
- Economic and sexual exploitation of children and young people.
- Children and young people who seek to live and earn a living on the street .
