1
|
Ravi P, Muralidhar K, Ngaybe MGB, Nanjaiah S, Jayakrishna P, Lowe AA, Krupp K, Wilson AM, von Hippel FA, Chen Z, Gerald LB, Madhivanan P. Qualitative Study to Explore the Occupational and Reproductive Health Challenges among Women Tobacco Farm Laborers in Mysore District, India. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 21:606. [PMID: 38791820 PMCID: PMC11121108 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph21050606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Tobacco farm laborers are primarily women and children working for very low wages. The aim of this study was to explore occupational and reproductive health challenges faced by women tobacco farm laborers in Mysore District, India. We conducted interviews and six focus group discussions among 41 women tobacco farm laborers. Codes and themes were generated based on deductive and inductive approaches using the socioecological model. Participants reported symptoms of green tobacco sickness including headaches, back pain, gastric problems, weakness, and allergies during menstruation, pre-natal, and post-natal periods. Participants had poor awareness about the health effects of tobacco farming, and there were gender inequalities in wages and the use of personal protective equipment. Participants received support from family and community health workers during their pregnancy and post-natal period. Women reported wanting maternity benefits from the tobacco board, as well as monetary support and nutritional supplements. There is a need for health education about the environmental dangers of tobacco among farm laborers, and more supportive policies for women farmworkers during pregnancy and post-natal periods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Ravi
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA (P.M.)
| | | | - Maiya G. Block Ngaybe
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA (P.M.)
| | - Shivamma Nanjaiah
- Public Health Research Institute of India (PHRII), Mysore 570020, Karnataka, India
| | - Poornima Jayakrishna
- Public Health Research Institute of India (PHRII), Mysore 570020, Karnataka, India
| | - Ashley A. Lowe
- Advanced Nursing Practice and Science Division, College of Nursing, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
- Asthma & Airway Disease Research Center, University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ 85724, USA
| | - Karl Krupp
- Public Health Research Institute of India (PHRII), Mysore 570020, Karnataka, India
- Public Health Practice, Policy, and Translational Research Department, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Amanda M. Wilson
- Community, Environment & Policy Department, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (A.M.W.)
| | - Frank A. von Hippel
- Community, Environment & Policy Department, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA; (A.M.W.)
| | - Zhao Chen
- Epidemiology and Biostatistics Department, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
| | - Lynn B. Gerald
- Office of Population Health Sciences, Office of the Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Purnima Madhivanan
- Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Mel & Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA (P.M.)
- Public Health Research Institute of India (PHRII), Mysore 570020, Karnataka, India
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Pangapanga-Phiri I, Mungatana E, Mhondoro G. Does contract farming arrangement improve smallholder tobacco productivity? Evidence from Zimbabwe. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23862. [PMID: 38205304 PMCID: PMC10777005 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Contract Farming Arrangements (CFA) can be viewed as a pro-active response to lack of reliable markets and steeply rising input prices. CFA proponents argue that CFA can enhance technical efficiency of tobacco farming and productivity. Thus, in this study, the paper interrogates the effect of CFA on tobacco productivity in southern Africa: Hurungwe district of Zimbabwe. The study controls for both observable and unobservable factors, like age, education, and ability to use information-unknown to the researchers, explaining farmers decision to participate in CFA. The study uses the Endogenous Switching Regression (ESR) model, which also acts as a robust check for the Propensity Score Matching techniques as it studies both observable and unobservable factors influencing CFA participation. Based on the ESR model, this study finds that CFA improves tobacco productivity by 39%. Nonetheless, CFA is labour-intensive. Hence, women and the elderly are less likely to participate in CFA, suggesting the need to develop gender-sensitive labour-saving technologies. Even though tobacco products kill their users, we would like to explore whether CFA can make farming more productive or not. We hypothesize that if tobacco farming would be more productive, then perhaps farmers will have enough money to buy food so they can be healthier even if the tobacco leaves, they grow can kill people elsewhere. Thus, these results inform CFA-related policies that improve smallholder tobacco productivity in Southern Africa. With existing tobacco controls, these results are equally valid to other cash crops where most developing economies anticipate the majority resource-constrained smallholder farmers to shift their production systems entirely away from tobacco in the immediate future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Innocent Pangapanga-Phiri
- Center for Agricultural Research and Development (CARD), Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Bunda College of Agriculture, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Africa Centre for Agricultural Policy Analysis (APA), Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, Bunda College of Agriculture, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe, Malawi
- Department of Environmental and Natural Resources Management, Bunda College of Agriculture, Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Lilongwe, Malawi
| | - Eric Mungatana
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Gwenzi Mhondoro
- Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, University of Pretoria, Hatfield, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Phetphum C, Wangwonsin A, Prajongjeep A, Simsin S. Perspectives of push-pull-mooring effects on a desire for switching to alternative crops among tobacco farmers in Thailand: A qualitative study. Tob Induc Dis 2024; 22:TID-22-07. [PMID: 38204731 PMCID: PMC10777475 DOI: 10.18332/tid/175685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tobacco use contributes significantly to premature deaths worldwide. A key strategy to curb tobacco consumption involves limiting the tobacco supply through the transition to substitute crops. This study aims to provide insight into why tobacco farmers desire to switch to alternative crops and the support required for a successful transition. METHODS Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 tobacco farmers expressing a desire to transition to other crops in two communities in Thailand. Data were recorded and transcribed verbatim in Thai and subsequently translated into English. A deductive content analysis applied the Push-Pull-Mooring (PPM) framework, contextualizing factors for the transition among tobacco farmers. RESULTS Four main categories emerged: 1) push factors, encompassing negative experiences in growing tobacco, such as poverty, health problems, and hopelessness; 2) pull factors, representing positive experiences in transitioning to alternative crops, particularly having a role model; and 3) mooring factors, highlighting characteristic disadvantages of tobacco farmers, particularly the receipt of small tobacco growing quotas. The fourth category focused on the support needed for a successful transition, including the suspension of tobacco debt payments, access to low-interest loans, and the development of marketing capabilities. CONCLUSIONS The study provides a comprehensive understanding of farmers' motivations to switch from tobacco to alternative crops and outlines the necessary support for a successful transition. Offering financial assistance and enhancing the production and marketing capabilities of alternative crops are essential steps toward facilitating a successful switch for farmers and ensuring a secure livelihood beyond tobacco farming.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chakkraphan Phetphum
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Tobacco Control Research Unit, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Artittaya Wangwonsin
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Atchara Prajongjeep
- Department of Community Public Health, Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Saksin Simsin
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lencucha RA, Vichit-Vadakan N, Patanavanich R, Ralston R. Addressing tobacco industry influence in tobacco-growing countries. Bull World Health Organ 2024; 102:58-64. [PMID: 38164327 PMCID: PMC10753285 DOI: 10.2471/blt.23.290219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Protecting policy-making from tobacco industry influence is central to effective tobacco control governance. The inclusion of industry actors as stakeholders in policy processes remains a crucial avenue to corporate influence. This influence is reinforced by the idea that the tobacco industry is a legitimate partner to government in regulatory governance. Addressing the influence of the tobacco industry demands a focus on the government institutions that formalize relationships between industry and policy-makers. Industry involvement in government institutions is particularly relevant in tobacco-growing countries, where sectors of government actively support tobacco as an economic commodity. In this paper, we discuss how controlling tobacco industry influence requires unique consideration in tobacco-growing countries. In these countries, there is a diverse array of companies that support tobacco production, including suppliers of seeds, equipment and chemicals, as well as transportation, leaf buying and processing, and manufacturing companies. The range of companies that operate in these contexts is particular and so is their engagement within political institutions. For governments wanting to support alternatives to tobacco growing (Article 17 of the Framework Convention for Tobacco Control), we illustrate how implementing Article 5.3, aimed at protecting tobacco control policies from tobacco industry interference, is fundamental in these countries. Integrating Article 5.3 with Article 17 will (i) strengthen policy coherence, ensuring that alternative livelihood policies are not undermined by tobacco industry interference; (ii) foster cross-sector collaboration addressing both tobacco industry interference and livelihood development; and (iii) enhance accountability and transparency in tobacco control efforts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raphael A Lencucha
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, 3630 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, QCH3G 1Y5, Canada
| | | | | | - Rob Ralston
- School of Social and Political Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Clark M, Cunguara B, Bialous S, Rice K, Drope J, Labonte R, Lencucha R. Foregrounding women and household dynamics to inform Article 17: a qualitative description analysis of tobacco farming households in Mozambique. Tob Control 2023:tc-2022-057881. [PMID: 37402575 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2022-057881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This paper examines the intrahousehold dynamics between women and men present in tobacco farming households in Mozambique. Attention to the experiences and realities of the smallholder farmers is crucial for understanding approaches to alternative livelihoods. Intrahousehold dynamics can provide important insights into how these households and their members view tobacco production and engage with the political economy of tobacco farming, how they make decisions, and the rationale and values behind these decisions. METHODS Data were collected through single-gender focus group discussions (n=8) with 108 participants (men=57, women=51). Analysis was informed by a qualitative description methodology. This research presents a gender-based analysis examining the perspectives, roles, decision-making processes and desires of female and male tobacco farmers in four key tobacco-growing districts in Mozambique. FINDINGS Throughout this paper, women are found to hold leverage and influence in tobacco farming households, and this leverage is in part gained via the necessity of women's unpaid labour in achieving profitability in tobacco farming. Both women and men are also found to strongly desire and pursue the well-being of the household. CONCLUSION Women hold agency within tobacco-growing households and participate in decision-making processes regarding tobacco agriculture. Women should be included in future tobacco control policies and programmes pertaining to Article 17.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madelyn Clark
- Medicine, Brown University, Providence, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Benedito Cunguara
- Gabinete de Desenvolvimento do Compacto II, Ministry of Economy and Finance, Maputo, Mozambique
| | - Stella Bialous
- School of Nursing and Center for Tobacco Control, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kathleen Rice
- Department of Family Medicine, McGill University Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Drope
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ronald Labonte
- School of Epidemiology, Public Health and Preventive Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Raphael Lencucha
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lencucha R. Future of farming must be food not tobacco. Tob Control 2023; 32:269-270. [PMID: 37080585 PMCID: PMC10176362 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2023-058004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Lencucha
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Wan X, Jin J, Ran S. Willingness of tobacco farmers to accept compensation for tobacco crop substitution in Lichuan City, China. Tob Control 2023; 32:338-343. [PMID: 34535508 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2021-056751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study, conducted in China, explores tobacco farmers' willingness to accept (WTA) compensation for tobacco crop substitution. METHODS The contingent valuation method was used to elicit farmers' WTA compensation. A face-to-face survey was conducted with 280 tobacco farmers in Lichuan City, China. The standard logit regressions were used to identify the factors that influence farmers' WTA. RESULTS Without compensation, most of the respondents were unwilling to implement tobacco crop substitution. However, if the government provided compensation, the proportion of respondents' willingness for substitution increased to 86.7%. Male tobacco farmers are more likely to accept a given compensation value than female farmers. Older tobacco farmers have a higher probability of accepting compensation. The number of farmers engaged in tobacco growing in a family is negatively associated with the probability of accepting a given compensation amount. Tobacco farmers with greater confidence in the expected benefits of tobacco crop substitution tend to be more willing to accept compensation. The mean WTA estimate was achieved as US$2020.35/ha/year. CONCLUSIONS If appropriate compensation is provided for tobacco farmers, there is a potential to implement the tobacco crop substitution policy in the study area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology (ESPRE), Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianjun Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology (ESPRE), Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
- Faculty of Geographical Science, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| | - Shenghong Ran
- Institute of Geographical Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ali M, Shahrier M, Kafy AA, Ara I, Javed A, Fattah M, Rahaman ZA, Tripura K. Environmental impact assessment of tobacco farming in northern Bangladesh. Heliyon 2023; 9:e14505. [PMID: 36967923 PMCID: PMC10036671 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Tobacco farming in Bangladesh has significant and far-reaching environmental impacts, affecting the land, water, and air. While the country has implemented tobacco control measures, the lack of monitoring and enforcement has resulted in environmental degradation and public health concerns. This study aims to document the environmental impact of tobacco farming in Bangladesh, adopting a qualitative approach to collect and analyze data. The study used focus group discussions, key informant interviews, and a structured questionnaire survey to gather data, assessing the impact of tobacco farming on the environment, socioeconomic conditions, and human health using a five-point impact assessment scale. Results illustrated that tobacco cultivation contributes to the ecosystem and natural resource degradation, leading to a loss of habitat diversity and domestic animal death. Soil erosion, water pollution, and air pollution from excessive plowing and pesticide usage have also been observed, causing skin diseases and other health issues. Despite some economic benefits, social conditions have worsened due to drug addiction and conflicts among tobacco workers. The study will help policymakers and environmentalists by highlighting the need to take action in reducing the environmental and social impacts of tobacco farming in Bangladesh. It also informs the public about the potential tobacco production and consumption risks. This study provides important insights into the adverse effects of tobacco farming in Bangladesh and emphasizes the importance of implementing appropriate measures to reduce environmental and public health impacts.
Collapse
|
9
|
Phetphum C, Prajongjeep A, Keeratisiroj O, Simsin S, Thawatchaijareonying K. Deteriorating Quality of Life and a Desire to Stop Growing Tobacco Among Virginia and Burley Tobacco Farmers in Thailand. JCO Glob Oncol 2022; 8:e2200180. [PMID: 36049151 PMCID: PMC9470139 DOI: 10.1200/go.22.00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to examine the quality of life of tobacco farmers and their desire to stop growing tobacco. Most tobacco farmers in Thailand have a declining quality of life resulting in reducing growing tobacco.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chakkraphan Phetphum
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
- Tobacco Control Research Unit (Northern Region), Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Atchara Prajongjeep
- Department of Community Public Health, Sirindhorn College of Public Health, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Orawan Keeratisiroj
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | - Saksin Simsin
- Department of Community Health, Faculty of Public Health, Naresuan University, Phitsanulok, Thailand
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lencucha R, Drope J, Magati P, Sahadewo GA. Tobacco farming: overcoming an understated impediment to comprehensive tobacco control. Tob Control 2022; 31:308-312. [PMID: 35241604 DOI: 10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2021-056564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco farming has emerged as an important concern for tobacco control advocates. Tobacco-growing countries face unique and important challenges to comprehensive, intersectoral tobacco control. These challenges stem from narratives that position tobacco as an important driver of economic growth and development, perpetuated by tobacco interests with close ties to government decision-making. While the global tobacco control movement has enshrined a commitment to alternatives to tobacco growing, there remain numerous obstacles. Tobacco growing is often situated in contexts with limited markets for other agricultural products, limited knowledge and economic resources to pursue alternatives, and/or a structure that favours industry control over the supply chain, all constraining the decision space of farmers. An evidence-informed approach is necessary to address tobacco supply, including growing, processing, manufacturing and trade, in this complex context. This paper reviews the economic, environmental and policy context of tobacco growing with an emphasis on the past decade of empirical work on the political economy of tobacco supply and introduces strategies to pursue alternatives. This analysis debunks many of the arguments used to perpetuate the narrative of tobacco's prosperity and provides critical insights into the institutional constraints faced by government sectors in pursuing a policy of alternatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Lencucha
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Drope
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Peter Magati
- Consultant, World Health Organization, Nairobi, Kenya
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Wineman A, Chilora L, Jayne TS. Trends in Tobacco Production and Prices in Malawi. Nicotine Tob Res 2022; 24:227-232. [PMID: 34605884 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntab197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Diversification away from tobacco production has been identified as a priority for Malawi, historically one of the world's most tobacco-reliant countries. METHODS This paper refers to a nationally representative data set to characterize broad trends in production since 2000 to understand whether Malawi is shifting away from tobacco and how production has changed over time. RESULTS From 2004 to 2019, the share of Malawian crop farmers producing tobacco fell from 16% to 5%, and tobacco's share of the total value of crop production also declined sharply. Tobacco farms are generally growing larger (in size and scale of production) over time. However, land productivity remains low, with net returns of 93 000 MWK (128 USD) per hectare at the median. Farm-gate prices for tobacco have declined relative to the prices of maize or fertilizer, rendering tobacco a less lucrative avenue to generate the cash income needed to purchase these key items. In addition, the share of the export price received by farmers has also declined over time, with the median farm-gate price representing 32% of the export price in 2004 and 18% in 2019. CONCLUSIONS In some respects, a transition away from tobacco has already occurred. Additional research is needed to understand why the farm-gate share of tobacco export prices has declined over this period and how the livelihoods of smallholder farm-households that exited tobacco production have been affected. IMPLICATIONS To the extent that tobacco prices appear to be declining, there is a need to rigorously assess whether farmers have suitable crop alternatives (with established markets) and other livelihood options. Likely, investments are yet needed to foster strong alternatives to tobacco; such investments include research and development in on-farm technologies to raise the productivity of non-tobacco crops, as well as improvements in non-tobacco value chains to reduce transportation costs and promote private investment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Thomas S Jayne
- Department of Agricultural, Food, and Resource Economics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Lencucha R, Drope J. How does tobacco growing impact advancement in demand reduction measures? Tob Prev Cessat 2021; 7:7. [PMID: 33542964 PMCID: PMC7848849 DOI: 10.18332/tpc/132596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Raphael Lencucha
- School of Physical & Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Canada
| | - Jeffrey Drope
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, United States
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Sahadewo GA, Drope J, Li Q, Witoelar F, Lencucha R. In-and-Out of Tobacco Farming: Shifting Behavior of Tobacco Farmers in Indonesia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:E9416. [PMID: 33334032 PMCID: PMC7765560 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17249416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the variables that affect farmers' decisions as to whether to grow tobacco and/or other crops provides important insights into their economic lives and can help to inform the development and implementation of policies that shape both tobacco production and tobacco control, such as increasing tobacco excise taxes. This study employs complementary quantitative and qualitative methodologies to identify variables that affect tobacco farmers' economic decision making in Indonesia, a major tobacco producer. The research focuses on the variables that affect tobacco farmers' decisions to continue tobacco farming or shift to non-tobacco farming. It finds that tobacco farmers' decision making is complex but also predictable. The results of the quantitative analysis suggest that farming profits and positive rainfall shocks are two of the key variables that affect the decision to cultivate tobacco. The qualitative results confirm these findings and further illuminate that access to credit, education (agricultural and otherwise) and information play substantial roles in farmers' economic decision making. Most of these variables are affected by the unequal relationship between the tobacco firms that buy tobacco and the farmers, wherein the farmers are consistently at a disadvantage in terms of negotiating key parameters such as prices and evaluation of leaf quality.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jeffrey Drope
- Health Policy and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC), Chicago, IL 60608, USA
| | - Qing Li
- Economic & Health Policy Research, Data Science, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA;
| | - Firman Witoelar
- Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, Canberra 2600, ACT, Australia;
| | - Raphael Lencucha
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, Montreal, QC 3605, Canada;
| |
Collapse
|