The World Health Organisation has blamed the food and nutrition insecurity affecting many parts of Africa on increasing tobacco cultivation.
In a message mailed to The PUNCH on Wednesday to commemorate World’s No Tobacco Day, the Regional Director for Africa, WHO, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, said more land that should be used for the cultivation of good crops was used for the cultivation of tobacco, which destroys the ecosystem.
Moeti said, “We face a grave challenge in food and nutrition security imposed by the increasing tobacco farming in the African region. In recent years, tobacco cultivation has shifted to Africa because of a regulatory environment that is more favourable to the tobacco industry, as well as increasing demand for tobacco.
“Nearly 828 million people are facing hunger globally. Of these, 278 million (20%) are in Africa. In addition, 57.9% of people in Africa suffer from moderate to severe food insecurity. Tobacco growing and production exacerbate nutrition and food insecurity.
“Tobacco farming destroys ecosystems, depletes soils of fertility, contaminates water bodies and pollutes the environment. Any profits to be gained from tobacco as a cash crop may not offset the damage done to sustainable food production in low and middle-income countries.”
Moeti said the WHO had been working with member states and other partners to assist farmers in shifting from tobacco growing to alternative crops.