The economics of tobacco farming in the Philippines
Abstract
If left unchecked, tobacco use is expected to be the leading cause of premature death and disability globally. Recognition of this threat prompted governments all over the world to enact appropriate tobacco control regulations, with the establishment of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC) as a critical turning point. These initiatives recognize the importance of addressing both the demand side and supply side of tobacco control, including Article 17 of the treaty that compels Parties to find viable alternatives for tobacco farmers. This report seeks to illuminate key components of the supply side. Specifically, it focuses on the economic circumstances of Philippines’ tobacco farmers, the incentives and constraints they face, and how these affect the viability of initiatives to direct them to alternative crops and livelihoods. This is done through a nationally representative survey of tobacco farmers and focus group discussions (FGDs).
