The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that while tobacco farming is decreasing around the world, it is increasing in Africa. Between 2012 and 2024, Africa saw a nearly 9% rise in tobacco production, even though global production dropped by about 19%. At the same time, African countries are spending much more on imported cigarettes, with the cost rising from $833 million to $1.77 billion. Dr. Vinayak Prasad from WHO highlighted that this situation is not just about tobacco control; it also affects health, trade, development, and the environment. Tobacco farming can harm workers' health, damage the environment, and lead to financial problems for farmers. In 2024, Africa produced about 11% of the world's tobacco, mainly in countries like Zimbabwe, Malawi, and Tanzania. The WHO pointed out that tobacco farming puts pressure on land and water resources that could be used for food production. Farmers face health risks from handling tobacco, and in some cases, children from poor families help with tobacco farming, missing school to earn money. Despite the increase in tobacco production, it contributes to the economy of only a few African countries. The WHO is urging governments to help farmers transition to other livelihoods and to strengthen laws to reduce the health and economic issues tied to tobacco use. They recommend promoting alternative crops that are better for health and the environment.
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