Anti-tobacco activists threaten farmers livelihood

摘要

The war between cigarette makers and anti-smoking activists threatens the future of tobacco farmers in Kenya's Kuria District and other areas. The fight is capitalizing on household poverty index prevalent in the region where more than 70% are said to be living below the poverty line. The Kenya Tobacco Control Alliance led by executive director Fred Odhiambo visited farmers in Nyabohanse, Nyambare, Bukira, Muchebe and Isebania on a fact finding mission field day and their verdict was that they must abandon this crop. He opposed any insurance scheme for tobacco farmers arguing that "you cannot insure productive farmers against poverty."