Health implications of cotton and tobbaco cultivation in central and northern Mozambique
Document type: mthesis
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Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Cotton and tobacco are the main cash crops grown in Mozambique. Approximately 300,000 rural families are involved in their cultivation. Cash crops can increase the income of the farmer household, leading to better living conditions and to better access to food, education and healthcare. However, their production also implies numerous health risks. MAIN OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: This study is a literature review that describes the effects of the cultivation of cotton and tobacco over the health of smallholder farmers in Mozambique. FINDINGS: Health implications, related to the different categories of the proposed conceptual framework were found. Occupational health risks appeared as the main threats for the health of the farmers. Secondly, in spite of higher incomes and better availability of food, malnutrition and low utilization of health services tend to persist. Furthermore, children and women are disproportionately affected due to biological, socio-cultural and behavioural characteristics. Also, careless management of natural resources by cotton and tobacco farmers can damage the environment and indirectly affect their own health. Concerning HIV/AIDS, disparities in income and the presence of migrant labour are factors that could facilitate the spread this disease among smallholder communities growing cotton and tobacco. Finally, it seems that the burden of chronic diseases among farmers is low. CONCLUSIONS: Cotton and tobacco can affect the health of farmers through different paths. These effects seem to affect disproportionately women and children, while also being capable to extend to the entire community. In spite of these problems, economic development can not and should not be stopped in Mozambique. On the contrary, it must be pursued. However, major efforts should be done to reduce the negative side effects associated to this process.
Authors:
Costa, F.M.
Country:
Mozambique
Category:
Research
Department:
Development Policy & Practice
Institute:
KIT (Royal Tropical Institute)
Keywords:
health
,
agriculture
Language:
eng
Organization:
KIT - Royal Tropical Institute
PAGE:
xi, 55
Year:
2009
Region:
East Africa
Right:
© 2009 Costa
Subject:
Health and Nutrition
Title:
Health implications of cotton and tobbaco cultivation in central and northern Mozambique
Training:
Master of Public Health / International Course in Health Development (ICHD)