Ecological and health impacts of tobacco farming in Pakistan: A mixed-methods approach toward a sustainable pathway for agricultural transition.

Abstract

Introduction: Tobacco farming plays a crucial role in the livelihoods of many rural communities in Pakistan, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KPK). However, this agricultural practice is associated with severe environmental degradation and significant health risks to workers during cropping.

Methods: This study evaluates the ecological and health impacts of tobacco farming in Pakistan, employing both quantitative (surveys) including 200 respondents (farmers and field workers/laborers) and qualitative methods (in-depth interviews) involving 10 respondents (farmers, policy experts, agriculturist and environmental specialists). The research focuses on Swabi, a key tobacco-growing region, and highlights the negative effects of excessive pesticide use, fertilizer application, and deforestation, which contribute to soil erosion, water pollution, and biodiversity loss.

Results: Regression analysis shows that pesticide use (β=0.65, p<0.001) and deforestation (β=0.82, p<0.001) are the leading contributors to ecological degradation. The relationship between tobacco yield and environmental degradation, although showing a trend (p=0.062), is statistically negligible and unlikely to have practical significance (β= -0.15). Health risks are equally concerning, with farmworkers (labor hired for farming, farmers, landlords) exposed to harmful agrochemicals and nicotine absorption leading to respiratory diseases, skin conditions, and green tobacco sickness (GTS). Pesticide exposure (β=0.71, p<0.001) and contact with tobacco leaves (β=0.53, p<0.001) significantly impact workers' health, while using personal protective equipment (PPE) helps mitigate these risks (β= -0.43, p=0.001). The study also reveals that many farmers are interested in transitioning to alternative crops like maize or cotton, but they face financial and informational barriers.

Conclusions: The growing of tobacco in Pakistan entails significant ecological and health dangers, emphasizing the immediate need for the implementation of sustainable farming strategies to mitigate environmental harm and enhance the socio-economic conditions of farmers. Government support through financial incentives, educational programs, and sustainable farming techniques is essential to reduce the environmental damage and improve public health.