The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: 1.To establish the health effects of tobacco growing on the farmers

2.To analyze the economic benefits of growing tobacco by the farmers.

Methods: Scope of the survey The study was conducted in the three western region districts of Uganda. in each district, three tobacco-growing sub-counties were purposively selected; preference was given to those sub-counties that are highly engaged in growing tobacco.

Sample Size The sample included a random selection of tobacco farmers and community leaders while health workers were selected from health centers in communities where the study was being conducted.

Data Collection Data was collected using a standard questionnaire where face-to-face interviews were conducted with Community Leaders, and Health Workers. FGDs were conducted using an interview guide for tobacco growers,

Data was coded and analysed then a report written

Results: The diseases related to tobacco growing Period Disease Planting Chest pains Skin rash Intestinal wounds Vomiting Nosal bleeding Diarrheoa Myopia Abdominal cramps Harvesting Backaches Coughing blood Green Tobacco Sickness Anaemia Headaches Hernia Selling Stress Malnutrition

The annual income of the farmers is unfairly and exploitatively determined by BATU.

BAT is not paying them a fair price or they are cheated, classification is in the favor of the company.

The farmers are given inputs on loan which they fail to pay due to bad harvest and so there property is confiscated while other farmers have been arrested.

The farmers are poor and their children malnourished many confess, they have gotten nothing from tobacco growing.