Tobacco leaf exports in these five countries play an important role in their export trade. 4 Total export of tobacco leaf from African countries increased by about 47% from 2000 to 2011, an increase in value of 73%. Only Zimbabwe and Malawi had been in the top 20. These same five countries had produced 372,000 tons in 2000. In 2011, the five African countries among the top 20 tobacco leaf growers produced over 530,000 tons. Most importantly, they argue that tobacco farming generates export earnings, and promotes local economic development in these countries. Growing tobacco also takes advantage of less fertile land that would otherwise be underused. The industry typically argues that tobacco farming contributes to tax revenue, improves farmers’ employment and income–especially cash income–and relieves household poverty. Most African governments are encouraged by the tobacco industry, based on an economic point of view, to promote tobacco farming. Section III analyses issues of tobacco farming in Africa. Section II provides a description of current situation of tobacco farming in Africa. We provide an overview of tobacco farming issues in relation to tobacco control policy in Africa, and offer a better understanding of the African tobacco farmers’ needs, options, and policy approaches. The countries view tobacco leaf export as an important source of income, and as a means to alleviate poverty. 4 Most of the tobacco growing countries in Africa are among the world’s poorest countries. In 2012 five countries in Africa were among the top 20 producers of tobacco leaf in the world: Malawi (6 th), Tanzania (8 th), Zimbabwe (9 th), Zambia (16 th) and Mozambique (17 th). 4 The source drift from high income to low income countries is evident. For Europe, the decrease is 40.4% in the area harvested and 43% in production. In this same period, area harvested for tobacco in the United States decreased by 18% while production decreased by 5%. Total area harvested for tobacco in African countries increased by 66%. African countries produced 650,000 tons, or 8.7% of the world production of tobacco leaf in 2012, compared to 440,000 tons or 7.3% in 2003. World production of tobacco leaf has continued to grow since 2003, up 25% from 6.03 million tons in 2003 to 7.5 million tons in 2012. In addition to demand reduction strategies, the treaty specified that signatory countries should promote economically viable alternatives to tobacco for farmers to reduce the amount of land cultivated for tobacco leaf and to protect the environment and health of farmers. In 2003, the World Health Organization (WHO) adopted the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), an international treaty to reduce demand for tobacco products and address supply issues.
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