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‘If you kill tobacco, you kill Malawi’: Structural barriers to tobacco diversification for sustainable development

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  • Julia Smith
  • Jennifer Fang

Abstract

There is growing recognition that diversifying away from tobacco farming can contribute to progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals in lower‐ and middle‐income countries. However, diversification projects are often limited in scope and impact. This paper analyses structural barriers to tobacco diversification and opportunities to challenge them, based on the perceptions of those engaged in policy processes in Malawi, the most tobacco dependent country in the world. Through analysis of 11 key informant interviews, four structural barriers are identified: perceived economic importance, lack of alternatives, vested industry interests, and the polarised conflict between tobacco control advocates and farmers. Respondents suggest these might be overcome through import substitution, a focus on securing alternative markets, and the inclusion of tobacco farmers in global processes. In ratifying the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, the Government of Malawi would be able to access diversification support, build a positive relationship with the global tobacco control community and address industry influence.

Suggested Citation

  • Julia Smith & Jennifer Fang, 2020. "‘If you kill tobacco, you kill Malawi’: Structural barriers to tobacco diversification for sustainable development," Sustainable Development, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 28(6), pages 1575-1583, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:wly:sustdv:v:28:y:2020:i:6:p:1575-1583
    DOI: 10.1002/sd.2106
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    1. Nicole Nguenha & Benedito Cunguara & Stella Bialous & Jeffrey Drope & Raphael Lencucha, 2021. "An Overview of the Policy and Market Landscape of Tobacco Production and Control in Mozambique," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(1), pages 1-13, January.
    2. Adriana Burlea-Schiopoiu & Muhammad Haroon Shoukat & Syed Asim Shah & Muhammad Shakil Ahmad & Mirela Mazilu, 2022. "The Sustainability of the Tobacco Industry in the Framework of Green Human Resources Management," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(9), pages 1-18, May.

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