Nicole Nguenha1, Benedito Cunguara1, Stella Bialous2, Jeffrey Drope3, Raphael Lencucha4. 1. Independent Researcher, Av. Vladmir Lenine #2081, Flat 1.4, Maputo P.O. Box 55, Mozambique. 2. Social and Behavioral Sciences Department, School of Nursing, UCSF, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA. 3. Division of Health Policy and Administration, School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1747 West Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL 60607, USA. 4. School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, 3630 Promenade Sir William Osler, Montreal, QC H3G 1Y5, Canada.
Abstract
Background: Tobacco growing has been considered a mainstay of Mozambique's economy, but there is a dearth of analysis of the tobacco policy landscape in the country. Methods: Review of government and non-government documents and academic papers addressing Mozambique's tobacco-growing history, the changes in the political economy of tobacco, and health policies addressing tobacco use and prevention of noncommunicable diseases. Results: Despite its tobacco growing and exporting history, the contribution of tobacco to the economy has been in steady decline in the past two decades, including in the areas dedicated to growing. At the same time there has been an increase in multinational control of the tobacco economy. In parallel, Mozambique's commitment to addressing the growing burden of noncommunicable disease and accession to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control indicate a potential for internal government tensions to balance immediate economic interests with long term health goals. Conclusions: With the decline in tobacco share of the overall economy, Mozambique may be well-positioned to explore alternative, sustainable livelihoods for farmers that grow tobacco, but it must overcome inter-sectoral barriers and advocate for a whole of government approach to address the health and economic impact of tobacco.
Background: Tobacco growing has been considered a mainstay of Mozambique's economy, but there is a dearth of analysis of the tobacco policy landscape in the country. Methods: Review of government and non-government documents and academic papers addressing Mozambique's tobacco-growing history, the changes in the political economy of tobacco, and health policies addressing tobacco use and prevention of noncommunicable diseases. Results: Despite its tobacco growing and exporting history, the contribution of tobacco to the economy has been in steady decline in the past two decades, including in the areas dedicated to growing. At the same time there has been an increase in multinational control of the tobacco economy. In parallel, Mozambique's commitment to addressing the growing burden of noncommunicable disease and accession to the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control indicate a potential for internal government tensions to balance immediate economic interests with long term health goals. Conclusions: With the decline in tobacco share of the overall economy, Mozambique may be well-positioned to explore alternative, sustainable livelihoods for farmers that grow tobacco, but it must overcome inter-sectoral barriers and advocate for a whole of government approach to address the health and economic impact of tobacco.
Authors: Raphael Lencucha; Srikanth K Reddy; Ronald Labonte; Jeffrey Drope; Peter Magati; Fastone Goma; Richard Zulu; Donald Makoka Journal: Health Policy Plan Date: 2018-04-01 Impact factor: 3.344
Authors: Raphael Lencucha; Jeffrey Drope; Ronald Labonte; Benedito Cunguara; Arne Ruckert; Zvikie Mlambo; Artwell Kadungure; Stella Bialous; Nhamo Nhamo Journal: Int J Environ Res Public Health Date: 2020-06-15 Impact factor: 3.390