UICC World Cancer Congress 2006

Objective:This paper will examine the effects of tobacco production on the roles of gender (men and women) in intra–household labour relations in the district;

Methods:There is crucially a need to do thorough public education and sensitization about the numerous health hazards and socio-economic discord in growing tobacco. This is because most of the farmers do not comprehend the risks that come along with the nurturance of the crop. Local level officials must be enlightened in this regard and eventually be encouraged to disseminate the information to the general public at various gatherings. This will be useful in jump-starting apprehension about tobacco amongst the farmers. There are many viable alternative crops i.e. coffee which can serve as a substitute to the seasoned dependency on tobacco.

Results:This paper seeks to articulate the reality on the ground that will propagate necessary measures that have hitherto not been considered adequately, that would alleviate the plight of farmers, especially peasant women. This should be able to put in place health precautions for the farmers in tobacco cultivation and curing, which has over the years become their chief income of economy. But eventually there is a need develop alternatives.