Breaking free from Tobacco: an insight from Chipangali's small-scale farmers on embracing alternative crops in Zambia.

AbstractTobacco is an important cash crop for farmers across the globe but has substantial health and environmental risks, thus the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) emphases the need for countries to promote alternative crop farming. This study seeks to understand the success of the alternative crop promotion program among tobacco small-scale farmers and government officials in Chipangali district, Zambia. The study analyzed data from qualitative key-informant interviews (KIIs) with government officials and extension officers (n = 5) and focus group discussions (FGDs) with farmers (n = 6). The FGDs and KIIs were audio recorded, transcribed, and then translated into English. An inductive thematic analysis was conducted to identify challenges and lessons learned from alternative crop farming program provided by participants. We highlight important factors linked to the success of the alternative crop promotion program, challenges and lessons learned. The results highlight several factors, including access to farming inputs, market dynamics, government support and farmers perceptions of tobacco farming associated with success of the program. Challenges identified included high faming input costs, market uncertainties, limited support, and dependency on tobacco companies. The alternative crop promotion program provided valuable lessons to farmers. However, majority of farmers felt the program was not inclusive and such initiative in future should accommodate all farmers to be successful. Additionally, provision of farming inputs and improvement of supply chain for the promoted crops could motivate tobacco farmers to transition to alternative crop cultivation. Furthermore, addressing environmental challenges such as water scarcity and unpredictable weather patterns through adaptive measures like drought-resistant crops and irrigation systems, could contribute to the success of the program. This study highlights the concerns and lessons that tobacco farmers raised which could be incorporated in the implementation of alternative crop promotion program in Chipangali.