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‘If you kill tobacco, you kill Malawi’: Structural barriers to tobacco diversification for sustainable development
Author(s) -
Smith Julia,
Fang Jennifer
Publication year - 2020
Publication title -
sustainable development
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.115
H-Index - 64
eISSN - 1099-1719
pISSN - 0968-0802
DOI - 10.1002/sd.2106
Subject(s) - tobacco control , tobacco industry , diversification (marketing strategy) , business , cultivation of tobacco , convention , sustainable development , economic growth , scope (computer science) , agriculture , development economics , political science , marketing , economics , geography , public health , medicine , programming language , nursing , archaeology , computer science , law
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.