Understanding Alternatives to Tobacco Production in Kenya: A Qualitative Analysis at the Sub-National Level.

Madelyn Clark,Jeffrey Drope,Ronald Labonte,Peter Magati,Raphael Lencucha

doi:10.3390/ijerph17062033

Abstract

Tobacco is a key cash crop for many farmers in Kenya, although there is a variety of challenges associated with tobacco production. This study seeks to understand alternatives to tobacco production from the perspective of government officials, extension officers, and farmers at the sub-national level (Migori, Busia, and Meru) in Kenya. The study analyzes data from qualitative key-informant interviews with government officials and extension officers (n = 9) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with farmers (n = 5). Data were coded according to pre-identified categories derived from the research aim, namely, opportunities and challenges of tobacco farming and alternative crops, as well findings that illustrate the policy environment that shapes the agricultural context in these regions. We highlight important factors associated with the production of non-tobacco agricultural commodities, including the factors that shape the ability of these non-agricultural commodities to serve as viable alternatives to tobacco. The results highlight the effect that several factors, including access to capital, markets, and governmental assistance, have on farmer decisions. The results additionally display the structured policy approaches that are being promoted in governmental offices towards agricultural production, as well as the institutional shortcomings that inhibit their implementation at the sub-national level.

Highlights

Small scale export-driven agricultural production in Kenya, as in many other African countries, is both a driver for and a challenge to economic development
Efforts to promote the replacement of tobacco to alternative crops at the sub-national level face a variety of challenges, which must be addressed in order to limit tobacco production
This study identifies challenges and benefits of tobacco production as well as the challenges and benefits of alternative crops

Summary

Introduction

Small scale export-driven agricultural production in Kenya, as in many other African countries, is both a driver for and a challenge to economic development. Agriculture is the mainstay of Kenya’s economy, accounting for at least 30% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Smallholder farming accounts for roughly 75% of agricultural production [1], and continues to face several persisting challenges ranging from the year-to-year unpredictability of weather (which is growing worse with climate change in some regions) and markets, to the need for and often absence of infrastructure and other supports to small-scale growers to produce and bring to market quality crops [2]. Kenya remains a major agricultural producer and exporter for commodities such as coffee, tea, Asian vegetables, and tobacco, the latter of which is the focus of this article. At least 55,000 farmers grow tobacco on 13,500 hectares of land mainly in the Western and

Results

Discussion

Conclusion