The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Friday its commitment to assisting an increasing number of farmers who are opting to shift away from tobacco cultivation and focus on growing food crops. This initiative aims to strengthen food security, with a particular focus on Africa. In collaboration with other United Nations agencies, the WHO is actively supporting farmers who wish to convert their tobacco farms into food-producing ones.
Addressing Food Insecurity Through Agricultural Transition
As the world observes World No Tobacco Day, the WHO highlighted its partnership with UN agencies in facilitating the transition of farmers from tobacco to food cultivation. The successful pilot scheme conducted in Kenya has prompted the UN to expand this program to other countries and continents, with the goal of replicating its achievements.
Rising Concerns: Food Insecurity and Tobacco Farming
Ruediger Krech, the WHO’s director for health promotion, expressed the urgency of the situation by revealing that a staggering 349 million people currently face acute food insecurity, a significant increase from 135 million in 2019. He emphasized that 124 countries engage in tobacco farming as a cash crop, utilizing an estimated 3.2 million hectares of land. Furthermore, approximately 200,000 hectares of land are cleared each year to make way for tobacco crops.
Negative Impact of Tobacco Farming on Food Security
Aside from the detrimental effects on the health of both smokers and farmers, the WHO highlighted the impact of tobacco farming on food security. The organization expressed concerns about the growing influence of tobacco companies in Africa, as tobacco plantations across the continent have witnessed a nearly 20% increase since 2005. Krech emphasized the need to dispel the myth that tobacco farming contributes significantly to economic growth, as it only accounts for more than 1% of the gross domestic product in five countries: Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Tanzania, and North Macedonia. Consequently, the majority of profits go to global tobacco companies rather than benefiting the local economies.
Transitioning Tobacco Farmers for Enhanced Food Security Program
The Transitioning Tobacco Farmers for Enhanced Food Security program seeks to address these issues by providing support and resources to farmers who wish to transition from tobacco cultivation to food production. The initiative recognizes the potential of agricultural diversification in improving food security, reducing poverty, and promoting sustainable development.
Success in Kenya and Expansion to Other Countries
The pilot program conducted in Kenya has been highly successful in assisting farmers in transitioning from tobacco to food crops. Farmers were provided with training, technical assistance, and access to markets for their agricultural products. The results were promising, with increased food production, improved livelihoods, and enhanced food security in the region.
Building on this success, the WHO, in collaboration with other UN agencies, aims to replicate the program in other tobacco-growing countries, particularly in Africa. The organization recognizes the urgent need to address the issue of food insecurity, which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors such as climate change and conflict.
Benefits of Transitioning from Tobacco to Food Crops
The transition from tobacco to food crops offers numerous benefits, both for the farmers and the communities they belong to. Firstly, it helps to improve food security by increasing the availability and accessibility of nutritious food. Food crops can be consumed locally or sold in markets, providing income and economic opportunities for farmers. This, in turn, contributes to poverty reduction and economic development at the community level.
Furthermore, the transition away from tobacco cultivation has positive health implications for both farmers and consumers. Tobacco farming involves exposure to harmful chemicals and poses significant health risks for farmers. By shifting to food crops, farmers can reduce their exposure to these hazards and improve their overall well-being. Additionally, promoting the consumption of nutritious food instead of tobacco products can contribute to the prevention of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer.
Aligning with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The WHO’s initiative also aligns with global efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2 – Zero Hunger and SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being. By supporting the transition of tobacco farmers to food production, the program contributes to the achievement of these goals and promotes sustainable agriculture practices.
Ensuring Success and Sustainability
To ensure the success and sustainability of the program, it is crucial to provide comprehensive support to farmers throughout the transition process. This includes technical training on sustainable farming practices, access to affordable inputs such as seeds and fertilizers, and assistance in accessing markets for their agricultural products. Collaborations with local governments, NGOs, and other stakeholders are essential in creating an enabling environment for the transition and ensuring the long-term viability of food production systems.
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In conclusion, the WHO’s commitment to supporting tobacco farmers in transitioning to food cultivation is a significant step towards enhancing food security and promoting sustainable development. By providing the necessary resources and support, this initiative aims to improve the livelihoods of farmers, increase food production, and contribute to the achievement of the SDGs. It is essential for governments, international organizations, and civil society to work together to ensure the success of this program and create a more sustainable and food-secure future for all.
