Qat is famous for two things: its high value in Scrabble and its notoriety in the Horn of Africa. Therefore, I have decided to write a short essay on Qat as I often have plenty of time during my long distance bus trips.
The plant called Qat, chat, or tchat (pronounced chart) is scientifically known as catha edulis. It is grown in the highlands of eastern Africa and the Arabian peninsula at altitudes ranging from 1500m to 2800m. The shrubs can grow up to 2m tall. It is mainly cultivated in Ethiopia, Yemen, and Kenya (known as Miraa), and transported daily by truck from Ethiopia to Somaliland and Djibouti. However, Eritrea does not allow its cultivation.
Qat, a mild and bitter-tasting natural stimulant, generates euphoria and a "high" feeling when consumed. To achieve the desired effect, con
...stant chewing of qat leaves is required. However, this consistent consumption may lead to individuals losing awareness of their surroundings.
Qat, a popular pastime enjoyed by many, particularly in the afternoon, is easily accessible in Ethiopia where it is sold at a low price of 25 cents USD. Street vendors and shopkeepers often sell bundles of qat. In Somaliland, colorful green qat booths can be seen along the roadside offering different grades of chat. Similarly, in Djibouti, shops and small businesses close in the afternoon so that people can participate in the traditional qat chewing activity. It is common to find shopkeepers lying on the ground outside their shops quietly enjoying their qat.
Qat chewing has significant societal and economic implications. In Yemen, qat usage is responsible for 10% of personal income, with
people spending 25% of their usable working hours in the afternoon on chewing. Even in prosperous Djibouti, qat is considered a major contributor to divorces. The price of qat in Djibouti is approximately 10 times higher than Ethiopia due to its reliance on imports. The main result of qat consumption is reduced productivity, accompanied by other effects such as engaging in anti-social behavior while under the influence.
The popularity of qat cultivation is on the rise because it is more profitable than crops like millet and sorghum. A recent study suggests that qat cultivation can be 10 to 20 times more profitable compared to other crops. Furthermore, qat requires less water, making it an attractive choice for farmers in water-scarce regions like Yemen. However, this shift towards qat cultivation has negative environmental consequences as it depletes the water table and diverts valuable water resources.
While it may be challenging to alter societies that have been consuming qat for centuries, education plays a vital role in diminishing qat consumption in the region. The public's education is estimated to take approximately 10 or 20 years to have a significant impact. In the interim, schools should prioritize raising awareness about the consequences of consuming qat. Instead of implementing a complete ban on the plant, governments should establish regulations to decrease the amount of land used for qat farming over the next two decades. Importing nations such as Djibouti and Somaliland can raise the price of qat to reduce demand, consequently lowering supply. On the other hand, exporting countries can impose higher export taxes to discourage qat production; however, it is crucial to manage this effectively to
prevent increased smuggling across borders.
It should be acknowledged that qat has the potential to be exported to countries beyond the Horn region. However, the ramifications of this possibility are too significant to consider.
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