FAO shares international concern over the harmful effects of tobacco smoking and the rising incidence of smoking-related diseases, which along with the resultant personal and social distress also lead to associated economic losses, not only in the developed countries but also in the developing world, where consumption continues to expand. FAO supports measures to curtail smoking, and within the context of interagency cooperation, particularly within the United Nations Ad Hoc Inter-Agency Task Force on Tobacco Control, FAO has undertaken a project involving a number of studies into various aspects of the global tobacco economy. This is the second of two volumes to be published from this FAO project Tobacco Supply, Demand and Trade by 2010: Policy Options and Adjustment, which was supported by the Government of Sweden through its international development cooperation agency SIDA. These studies focus particularly on the potential effects, if any, that reductions in global demand might have on the economic conditions, earnings and food security of farming communities in developing countries particularly dependent on tobacco production for their livelihood. The underlying goal of this research is to provide a well defined and thoroughly researched analysis of economic issues as a basis for promoting the necessary international and national measures to achieve a healthier and more economically sustainable global environment.
The first volume, directed at providing projections to the year 2010 of tobacco production, consumption and trade, contains also a review of developments in the global patterns of production, consumption and trade since 1970. This present volume is intended to provide a closer look at the tobacco economies of a few selected countries.
The six country studies presented here were initially prepared in support of the research undertaken by FAO for this project. They are the work of individual consultants and staff members, and do not necessarily represent the views of the Organization. The papers in their original form were circulated as a basis for discussion at the International Meeting on Economic, Social and Health Issues in Tobacco Control, 3-4 December 2001, in Kobe, Japan, and to broaden the information and analytical base for future work in this area. The papers were subsequently revised in the light of comments received. They were then edited and are published here as a contribution to international discussion on this topic.
In addition, an overview paper considers tobacco from a global perspective, addressing production, trade and the socio-economic dimensions that affect both producers and users of tobacco and its products, and the implications for national governments.
A literature review which was prepared at the outset of the study provides a wide review of economic research on tobacco undertaken up to the year 2000.
Alexander Sarris
Director
FAO
Commodities and Trade Division
