Read the signs: The khat menace could be spiralling out of control

BY EDITOR

3rd February 2016.

WE are crying SOS for primary school pupils in Same District, Kilimanjaro Region who are reported to be gradually putting aside their pens and books to instead embrace a controversial local khat cult.

 

We are informed that quite a number of pupils in the district have fallen prey to this quasi-illegal substance popularly known as ‘miraa’ or ‘mirungi’. They produce and sell the drug in abundance, and those who imbibe it say it makes them feel happier, more alert, more elevated, and more talkative all at the same time.

 

However, researchers have found that khat’s effects are much more negative than positive to the human mind and body. There is the risk of significant liver toxicity that can disrupt one’s sleep, suppress one’s appetite, and worsen one’s general mental well-being.

 

It is understood that in developed countries like the UK, khat is listed as a narcotic substance, making it illegal for personal use or sale to others. In other words, if you are caught over there in possession of khat, the authorities are bound to take stern action against you, including arrest, a possible conviction, and a prison sentence of up to two years.Selling khat or giving it away for free, even to friends, could result in up to 14 years in jail, and/or an unlimited fine.

 

It can be described as quite unfortunate that the authorities in our own Same District are not that strict, as illustrated by revelations that 28 villages in the district have clandestinely cultivated a total of 260 acres of khat.

 

According to a recent survey, all this has had a critical bearing on education standards in the district, with the bottom 10 schools in last year’s national Standard Seven examination results in Kilimanjaro Region being located in these khat-growing areas.

 

There is no denying that the illicit leaves can be money minters for those who dabble in it from a commercial perspective. It is estimated that a khat producer with an acre or two of land dedicated to the activity can generate an income of 1.5 million/- to 2m/- a month.

 

One producer interviewed during the survey said he had managed to build a house, send his children to school, and in general properly take care of his family from the money accrued from his ‘miraa’ trade.

 

But while in neighbouring Kenya the production and selling of khat is allowed, in Tanzania the leaf remains forbidden and listed as an illegal drug. That is the reality, even though in districts like Same (and many others in Tanzania, it must be said), the chewing of khat continues to be accepted as a social custom dating back hundreds of years. 

 

So while we note the new evidence of the dangers posed by khat on the health and progress of whole societies, we should also query why it has taken so long (or is taking so long) for the local authorities to do something about it.  

 

When all is said and done, it is hard to believe that khat can be grown over 260 acres in 28 villages across a whole Tanzanian district without being noticed by the people who really matter – namely, the district administration.

 

SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN