Framing the Chew: Narratives of Development, Drugs and Danger with Regard to Khat (Catha edulis)

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Abstract

Khat has become increasingly subject to legal regulation in European and North American countries, even though there is very little consumption among mainstream populations. The regulation of khat has been introduced for the “protection” of migrant populations, and is sometimes even demanded by anti-khat campaigners. The unintended consequence of these bans, once introduced, is that migrant populations are targeted by law enforcement. This has not helped these groups’ social integration nor promoted public health. What has not been considered in the discussion is the effect on khat farmers. Khat has been an engine of development for parts of Kenya and Ethiopia. It has also provided an opportunity for capital accumulation in Somaliland. It is a major source of revenue across the region. The positions of all stakeholders must be considered when defining the regulatory context, as well as the dimension of community cohesion and the potential for development.

Keywords

Asylum Seeker Somali Woman African Farmer Somali Community Chewing Khat 
These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.
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Copyright information

© Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg 2014

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.C1 Darwin CollegeUniversity of KentCanterburyUK

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