Diaspora, Africa – (African Boulevard News) – The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm that many countries facing food security issues are also big tobacco growing economies. This warning coincides with World No Tobacco Day, being observed this year on May 31st, 2023.
According to the WHO, since 2005, there has been a nearly 20% increase in tobacco farming land across Africa. The organization is concerned that this trend is continuing, despite increasing evidence of the negative impact tobacco farming has on food security and the environment.
The WHO emphasizes that many of these tobacco-growing countries also suffer from food insecurity, with millions of people unable to access nutritious food. Tobacco farming often competes with food crops for land, water, and labor, which can exacerbate food insecurity in these already vulnerable communities.
“Tobacco growing is not only harmful to health, but also poses a significant threat to food security, particularly in low-income countries,” says WHO Director-General, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. “As we observe World No Tobacco Day this year, we must take action to end the devastating cycle of tobacco farming and food insecurity.”
The WHO is calling for urgent action to address this issue, including the implementation of sustainable agriculture practices and the promotion of alternative livelihoods for tobacco farmers. They also urge the tobacco industry to take responsibility for the environmental and social impact of their products and to support a transition away from tobacco farming.
The link between tobacco farming and food security is not a new concern. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the urgent need to address this issue. The pandemic has led to disruptions in food supply chains and increased food prices, exacerbating food insecurity in many countries.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us that a health crisis can quickly turn into a food crisis,” says Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “We cannot afford to ignore the link between tobacco farming and food insecurity any longer.”
As the world marks World No Tobacco Day, it is crucial to recognize that tobacco farming is not only a health issue but also a food security issue. The WHO’s call to action is a reminder that urgent measures are needed to address this problem and ensure that vulnerable communities have access to nutritious food.
