Kibwage Jacob K, Othoo Calvince O, Ndungu Charles
School of Cooperative and Community Development, Cooperative University of Kenya.
School of Environment and Natural Resources, South Eastern Kenya University.
J UOEH. 2019;41(3):259-269. doi: 10.7888/juoeh.41.259.
There is growing evidence that tobacco farming and use, among other critical livelihood factors, has an impact not only on health but also on the environment. The tobacco industry in Kenya has been on the rise with new production areas emerging. However, the nature of the environmental friendliness of the production, processing and consumption technologies have yet to be evaluated in many parts of Kenya. This study undertook an environmental auditing of tobacco farming activities in the South Nyanza region of Kenya for purposes of evaluating their compliance levels and policy formulation. Data collection was achieved through a detailed environmental audit checklist, focused group discussions, interviews, and field observations. Generally, the environmental compliance level with the National Environment Management Authority, World Health Organization standards and world best farming practices was dismal, at 13.6%. Tobacco companies' compliance rating with standards in application of pesticides and agrochemicals, use and management of energy resources, tobacco leaf storage and disposal of uncollected leaves, occupational health and safety, and best established practices in corporate social responsibility stood at 19.8, 15.7, 27.7, 2.1 and 11.8%, respectively. The low compliance level implies unsustainable farming practices; thus the need for enhanced enforcement of good environmental practices in the sector. Development of policies and legislation on economically viable and environmentally sustainable alternative crops is therefore recommended.
越来越多的证据表明，除其他关键生计因素外，烟草种植与使用不仅对健康有影响，而且对环境也有影响。肯尼亚的烟草业一直在发展，新的产区不断涌现。然而，在肯尼亚的许多地区，生产、加工和消费技术的环境友好性尚未得到评估。本研究对肯尼亚南尼扬扎地区的烟草种植活动进行了环境审计，以评估其合规水平并制定政策。通过详细的环境审计清单、焦点小组讨论、访谈和实地观察来收集数据。总体而言，符合国家环境管理局、世界卫生组织标准和世界最佳种植规范的环境合规水平很低，仅为13.6%。烟草公司在农药和农用化学品的使用、能源资源的使用与管理、烟叶储存和未采收烟叶的处理、职业健康与安全以及企业社会责任方面的最佳既定规范等方面的合规评级分别为19.8%、15.7%、27.7%、2.1%和11.8%。低合规水平意味着种植方式不可持续；因此，需要加强该部门良好环境规范的执行力度。因此，建议制定关于经济可行且环境可持续的替代作物的政策和立法。
