Ecological and health impacts of tobacco farming in Pakistan: A mixed-methods approach toward a sustainable pathway for agricultural transition
Introduction Tobacco farming plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of many rural communities in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). However, this agricultural practice is associated with severe environmental degradation and significant health risks to workers during cropping. Meth...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
European Publishing
2025-03-01
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| Series: | Tobacco Induced Diseases |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://www.tobaccoinduceddiseases.org/Ecological-and-health-impacts-of-tobacco-farming-in-Pakistan-A-mixed-methods-approach,201406,0,2.html |
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| Summary: | Introduction
Tobacco farming plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of many rural
communities in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). However,
this agricultural practice is associated with severe environmental degradation and
significant health risks to workers during cropping.
Methods
This study evaluates the ecological and health impacts of tobacco farming
in Pakistan, employing both quantitative (surveys) including 200 respondents
(farmers and field workers/laborers) and qualitative methods (in-depth
interviews) involving 10 respondents (farmers, policy experts, agriculturist and
environmental specialists). The research focuses on Swabi, a key tobacco-growing
region, and highlights the negative effects of excessive pesticide use, fertilizer
application, and deforestation, which contribute to soil erosion, water pollution,
and biodiversity loss.
Results
Regression analysis shows that pesticide use (β=0.65, p<0.001) and
deforestation (β=0.82, p<0.001) are the leading contributors to ecological
degradation. The relationship between tobacco yield and environmental
degradation, although showing a trend (p=0.062), is statistically negligible
and unlikely to have practical significance (β= -0.15). Health risks are equally
concerning, with farmworkers (labor hired for farming, farmers, landlords)
exposed to harmful agrochemicals and nicotine absorption leading to respiratory
diseases, skin conditions, and green tobacco sickness (GTS). Pesticide exposure
(β=0.71, p<0.001) and contact with tobacco leaves (β=0.53, p<0.001) significantly
impact workers' health, while using personal protective equipment (PPE) helps
mitigate these risks (β= -0.43, p=0.001). The study also reveals that many farmers
are interested in transitioning to alternative crops like maize or cotton, but they
face financial and informational barriers.
Conclusions
The growing of tobacco in Pakistan entails significant ecological and
health dangers, emphasizing the immediate need for the implementation of
sustainable farming strategies to mitigate environmental harm and enhance the
socio-economic conditions of farmers. Government support through financial
incentives, educational programs, and sustainable farming techniques is essential
to reduce the environmental damage and improve public health. |
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| ISSN: | 1617-9625 |