Rising tobacco farming exposes African workers to health risks – WHO

Rising tobacco farming in Africa has sparked growing concern over its impact on worker health, the environment, and local communities, according to a recent analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO). The study found that tobacco-leaf production on the continent increased by nearly nine percent between 2012 and 2024, even as global production declined by almost 19 percent. In 2024, Africa produced more than 639,000 tonnes of tobacco leaf, accounting for approximately 11 percent of the world's total output. This growth has drawn attention to the health risks faced by workers, as well as broader environmental and social challenges linked to tobacco cultivation. The analysis highlights that tobacco production is heavily concentrated in five countries: Zimbabwe, Malawi, Tanzania, Mozambique, and Uganda. East Africa alone contributes nearly 90 percent of the continent’s tobacco-leaf output. This regional focus underscores the deep entanglement of tobacco farming with local economies, particularly in nations where the industry plays a significant role in employment and export earnings. Vinayak Prasad, head of the Tobacco Free Initiative at WHO, emphasized that the dangers of tobacco farming extend far beyond issues of smoking and tobacco control. He described the problem as encompassing health, trade, development, and environmental sustainability. “This is not just a tobacco-control issue. It is a health, trade, development and environmental issue,” Prasad stated. His comments reflect a growing recognition among international health bodies that the tobacco industry’s footprint must be examined holistically. One immediate health risk identified in the report is green tobacco sickness, which affects workers who handle wet tobacco leaves. Nicotine absorption through the skin can lead to symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, and headaches. Additionally, exposure to pesticides and tobacco dust poses long-term health threats. These conditions are compounded by the resource-intensive nature of tobacco farming, which uses vast amounts of land, water, and other natural resources, resources that could alternatively support food production and sustainable livelihoods. Environmental degradation is another major concern. Tobacco cultivation is linked to soil erosion, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions from the curing process. These factors contribute to climate change and threaten biodiversity in regions already vulnerable to ecological stress. Furthermore, the report notes that children from impoverished families often participate in tobacco farming, sacrificing schooling to help their families financially. This involvement exposes them to both the physical and social risks associated with the industry, potentially derailing their educational prospects and future opportunities. Economic data presented in the analysis reveals a complex picture. While Africa’s cigarette import bill has surged, from $833 million in 2012 to $1.77 billion in 2024, the economic benefits of tobacco production are limited. Only a few countries, such as Malawi and Zimbabwe, derive more than one percent of their GDP from tobacco-leaf exports. For most nations, the financial gains are outweighed by the health, social, and environmental costs. Prasad urged governments to seek support in transitioning away from tobacco dependency, emphasizing the need for alternative livelihoods for affected populations. The WHO report calls for alignment of trade and development policies with public health and sustainability goals. Under Articles 17 and 18 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, member states are encouraged to promote viable alternatives for tobacco workers and growers. These provisions also emphasize protecting human health and the environment from the adverse effects of tobacco cultivation. As the organization pushes for stronger international cooperation, it highlights the urgent need for comprehensive strategies to address the multifaceted challenges posed by the expanding tobacco industry in Africa.