The Case of Qat in Yemen

摘要

Lenard Milich and Mohammed Al-Sabbry with the example of qat, show how culturally appropriate development could enhance a country's sustainability. Writing about the cultivation of qat (Catha edulis) in Yemen is akin to recounting an ancient legend or describing a national history. Perhaps three quarters of Yemeni adults chew qat leaves each afternoon, for a period lasting at least five hours. People spend about one-quarter to one-third of their cash income on qat. (Weir, 1985) Some of the poorer segments of society will willingly forgo food in favour of buying qat, for qat is everything in Yemeni life.