A multistage, qualitative and descriptive study was carriedrnout in Limu District, central Ethiopia. Routes of spread of HIVrninfection from urban to rural populations were first identified andrnthen verified. Sexual and non-sexua l risk practices of ruralrnfarmers were also studied. Qualitatively, through a focus grouprndiscussion with urban prostitutes and interviews with communityrnelders, religious leaders, and health professionals potentialrnroutes were identif i ed. These were verified by interviewing 20 ofrnsoldiers, merchants, and students. Four drivers and 2 formerrnpeasant association chairmen were also interviewed. High riskrnsexual practices were verified in these subgroups. In 45 to 50% ofrnthe subgroup subjects extramarital sexual intercourse in the pastrn3 months was reported. In 25 to 37% sex with urban sex workers wasrnreported. Condom use was found to be very low, varying from 10 torn30%. Knowledge about AIDS and condoms was not satisfactory. Riskrnperceptions for AIDS were low and changes in risk behaviour werernnot impressive. Urban sex workers also verified these routes byrnconfirming sexual contact with these rural subgroups of population.rnA total of 502 rural farmers were interviewed for high riskrnbehaviours for HIV infection. Extramarital (multipartner) sexualrnrelations in the past 3 months was reported in 13.5% of thernfarmers. Sex with urban sex workers as the last e xtramarital sexrnin the past 3 months was reported in 6.7% of the males. Condom usernwas very low. Past history for STD's was assessed. Gonorrhoea was the most commonly reported illness at 10 .2%. Non-sexua l riskrnpractices were also studied. In the study population, 23.9% of thernmales had received an injection in the past 3 months. Of these,rn27% were received in the villages. A history of tattooing, bloodrnletting, ear piercing, and scarification were reported in 2 to 6%.rnA total of 58.6% of the rural farmers have heard about AIDS. Outrnof these 94.5% knew at least one correct mode of transmission ofrnAIDS. Twenty eight percent of the population believe that they canrnget AIDS and 30% have changed behaviour. In this study there wasrnno association beteween knowledge and high risk sexual or nonsexualrnpractices.rnThis study revealed that certain sub-groups of ruralrnpopulation particularly the former military, merchants and studentsrnhave the potential to spread HIV infection into rural communitiesrnand a high proportion of rural farmers exhibit high risk practices,rnhence immediate intervention is recommended.