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

Madelyn Clark, Peter Magati, Jeffrey Drope, Ronald Labonte and Raphael Lencucha
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Madelyn Clark: Faculty of Medicine, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, 3630 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y5, Canada
Peter Magati: School of Economics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi 30197, Kenya
Jeffrey Drope: Economic and Health Policy Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA
Ronald Labonte: School of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
Raphael Lencucha: Faculty of Medicine, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, 3630 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y5, Canada

IJERPH, 2020, vol. 17, issue 6, 1-14

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.

Keywords: tobacco control; public policy; agriculture; tobacco farming (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2020
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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