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Why Do Farmers Grow Tobacco? A Qualitative Exploration of Farmers Perspectives in Indonesia and Philippines

Author

Listed:
  • Adriana Appau

    (Faculty of Medicine, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, 3630 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y5, Canada)

  • Jeffrey Drope

    (Economic and Health Policy Research, American Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA 30303, USA)

  • Firman Witoelar

    (Crawford School of Public Policy, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT 2601, Australia)

  • Jenina Joy Chavez

    (Action for Economic Reform, Unit 1403 West Trade Center, 132 West Avenue, Quezon City 1104, Philippines)

  • Raphael Lencucha

    (Faculty of Medicine, School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, McGill University, 3630 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y5, Canada)

Abstract

Tobacco supply remains a pressing challenge to tobacco control. Tobacco remains a dominant cash crop in many low- and middle-income countries, despite the evidence suggesting that it is not as profitable as industry claims and is harmful to health and the environment. In order to implement successful and sustainable alternative livelihood interventions, it is important to understand why farmers continue to grow tobacco. This study explores this question from the perspective of farmers in Indonesia and Philippines. This study was informed by interpretive description methodology. Data was collected through focus group discussions (FGDs) ( n = 7) with farmers ( n = ~60). The FGDs were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and then translated into English. An inductive thematic analysis of the data was conducted to identify and categorize the reason provided by participants. We identified two overarching themes: (1) perceived viability (profitability, ready market, and environmental factors) and (2) financial context. Financial context included lumpsum payments and access to financial loans and credit facilities in light of their lack of capital. These results highlight that, in addition to identifying viable alternatives to tobacco, institutional factors such as improved access to credit and well-developed supply chains are key to the successful uptake of alternative livelihoods.

Suggested Citation

  • Adriana Appau & Jeffrey Drope & Firman Witoelar & Jenina Joy Chavez & Raphael Lencucha, 2019. "Why Do Farmers Grow Tobacco? A Qualitative Exploration of Farmers Perspectives in Indonesia and Philippines," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 16(13), pages 1-11, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:16:y:2019:i:13:p:2330-:d:244892
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Teodora Tica & Bojan Matkovski & Danilo Đokić & Žana Jurjević, 2023. "Characteristics of the Supply Chain of Tobacco and Tobacco Products: Evidence from Serbia," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 13(9), pages 1-23, August.
    2. Gumilang Aryo Sahadewo & Jeffrey Drope & Qing Li & Firman Witoelar & Raphael Lencucha, 2020. "In-and-Out of Tobacco Farming: Shifting Behavior of Tobacco Farmers in Indonesia," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(24), pages 1-16, December.
    3. Ashis Talukder & Iqramul Haq & Mohammad Ali & Jeffrey Drope, 2020. "Factors Associated with Cultivation of Tobacco in Bangladesh: A Multilevel Modelling Approach," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(12), pages 1-7, June.
    4. Abdillah Ahsan & Nur Hadi Wiyono & Nadira Amalia & Retno Rusdjijati & Meita Veruswati & Santi Martini & Yayi Suryo Prabandari & Adela Miranti Yuniar, 2024. "Early assessment of tobacco excise sharing fund as policy for farmers’ viable alternatives in Indonesia: case study of four municipalities in Indonesia," Palgrave Communications, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 11(1), pages 1-8, December.
    5. Madelyn Clark & Peter Magati & Jeffrey Drope & Ronald Labonte & Raphael Lencucha, 2020. "Understanding Alternatives to Tobacco Production in Kenya: A Qualitative Analysis at the Sub-National Level," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(6), pages 1-14, March.

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