BACKGROUND: Article 17 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) requires promoting economically viable alternatives to tobacco cultivation to reduce tobacco use and protect the environment. In line with this, a pilot project in Sri Lanka introduced alternative crops to tobacco farmers in Monaragala and Anuradhapura districts, where favourable growing conditions and industry support have encouraged tobacco farming. The project aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of these alternatives in reducing tobacco cultivation.
METHODS: The study, conducted over six months, involved 202 farmers from Monaragala and Anuradhapura districts, both situated in Sri Lanka's dry zone. A three-phase approach was used, consisting of pretesting, intervention, and evaluation. Both secondary and primary data collection methods were used. Secondary data was gathered through literature reviews, while primary data came from interviewer-administered questionnaires. The intervention phase included advocacy and consultative programs for senior government officials, advocacy programs for ground-level agriculture officers, and community empowerment programs for tobacco farmers and their families. Three months after the intervention, its impact was evaluated using interviewer-administered questionnaires.
RESULTS: The results revealed a significant reduction in tobacco farming in both districts. In Monaragala, 38.6% of farmers completely stopped tobacco farming, 29.8% partially stopped, and another 29.8% expressed willingness to stop. The area under tobacco cultivation in this district decreased by 58%. In Anuradhapura, 67.4% of farmers completely ceased tobacco farming, 10.5% partially stopped, and 6.3% showed willingness to stop. The area under tobacco cultivation was reduced by an impressive 92%.
CONCLUSIONS: This study concluded the potential of alternative crop initiatives to reduce tobacco farming effectively. These results offer valuable insights for replicating similar programs, aligning with WHO FCTC Article 17, and fostering sustainable agricultural practices.