[Intl-tobacco] Tobacco on Trial: Malawi: a nation of non-smokers hooked on tobacco

[Robert Weissman]

Tobacco on Trial: Malawi:  a nation of non-smokers hooked on tobacco
Source: BBC Online, Wednesday, 8/2/00

In economic terms, Malawi is arguably the most tobacco-dependent nation on
earth. It faces a worrying future as the rest of the world looks to
negotiate new restrictions on tobacco. Malawian tobacco farmers know they
must also face up to the issue of child labour in their industry.

Women - a large proportion of the workfarce in Malawi

If you've ever smoked a major-brand cigarette the chances are you've
smoked Malawian tobacco. Manufacturers value its unique texture which
makes it an ideal cigarette filler.

As a result virtually every western cigarette uses a bit of the produce of
this country in its blend.

But if you are a smoker, you're not just getting quality tobacco from
Malawi -you're probably also smoking the product of child labour (more
photographs).

Child workers are a common sight in Malawi

The southern African country of Malawi has a population of 9 million and
is economically dependent - too dependent many believe - on the annual
tobacco crop.

100,000 tonnes are grown, graded, stored and exported by 1.7 million
people.

Another 5 million - according to the industry - are indirectly employed in
support industries or are family members of tobacco workers (more
photographs).

That means a staggering 75% of the population is dependent on tobacco
farming.

The Malawian tobacco industry claims to generate 34% of the country's
gross domestic product.

By contrast few people in the country smoke.

..the eradication of child labour in the industry can only be a long-term
goal.  Women make up a large population of the workforce (more
photographs) but children as young as 11 years old work grading the
tobacco leaves.

They'll also help out bringing in the crop. The International Tobacco
Growers Association opposes any of its members using child labour.

Tobacco factory

But they admit that the eradication of child labour in the industry can
only be a long-term goal.

Growers in Malawi are worried about the WHO's Framework Convention on
Tobacco which will be introduced from 2003. This will commit governments
to move their economies away from growing tobacco.

Malawians fear the Framework Convention could affect their way of life
 The question in people's minds here is: what else will they grow that
will sell so well and be so profitable on the international market?