Environmental and socio-economic impact of tobacco production in Arua district
In: A Panos Fellowship Study
This report is based on field surveys in Arua District (West Nile) which grows 85% of Uganda's flue-cured tobacco, 70% of the national tobacco crop. The author examines tobacco growing (for cash) and its implications to the environment in Uganda and looks at the socio-economic impact, especially on women and children. The most striking effect of tobacco-growing is the near depletion of both natural and planted forests. The author argues that deforestation has caused wells and streams to dry up, forcing women and children to walk farther in search of water for agricultural and domestic use. (DÜI-Hff)