Paul Redfern, Special Correspondent
16 May 2006
Nairobi — A detailed study by a British academic across Uganda and Kenya over the past two years has concluded there is as yet no overwhelming case for a ban on the use of miraa also known as khat.
Susan Beckerleg's survey findings which were recently published in the Oxford, UK-based academic journal African Affairs, shows that while opinions on the chewing of khat across the region are strongly held, the medical evidence for a ban is not overwhelming.
The study, What Harm: Kenyan and Ugandan Perspectives on Khat, says that the strongest case against the drug rests on the damage it can cause to family life.
But it adds that claims that the drug may have links with psychosis and mental instability have not been proven.
Moreover, Ms Beckerleg, a social anthropologist, argues that banning the chewing of the leaf across the region would only drive takers to carry on doing so illegally, with consequent social problems.
"The objective of most local efforts to curb the use of khat in East African towns is the reduction of social and economic ills," Ms Beckerleg writes.
"Yet, eliminating khat consumption would not reverse the problems that it is identified as causing."
This was the conclusion of a similar study in the UK recently where the chewing of khat, like in Kenya and Uganda, is not illegal. Consumption of khat in Kenya is not new, but it is a relatively new phenomenon in both Uganda and the UK.
With the debate over the use of khat growing in passion both in East Africa and the UK in recent years, Ms Beckerleg's study surveyed hundreds of users across the region on issues such as health concerns, the effect on family life, the effect on work, criminal behaviour and whether a ban would help.
Ms Beckerleg appears to agree with scientific research on the issue that shows that the medical case against khat is weaker than people have been led to believe although "the drug clearly cannot be discounted as a health threat."
With evidence far from proven, Ms Beckerleg predicts that khat will remain legal in both Kenya and Uganda for some time although "disapproval of consumption is widespread," particularly at government level.
"Some individuals are harmed and will continue to be harmed by excessive chewing," Ms Beckerleg concludes.
"Nevertheless, given that the evidence for harm caused by chewing is far from overwhelming, the continued use of khat should do little damage."
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