The qat phenomenon and ideas to stop its use [Archives:2006/927/Reportage]
at has been part of Yemeni culture for more than 500 years, dating far before the country was famous for its coffee. When qat first was used, it was not famous, as it was considered a usual occurrence of no importance. Gradually, and after the revolution, more people turned to Qat as things changed around the country. Now, the qat leaf's importance has risen like never before.
Over the past 20 years, qat surprisingly has come to symbolize this Middle-Eastern nation, even being used as an advertising tool for tourism in Yemen. To many tourists visiting Yemen every year, trying qat usually is part of their agenda while in the country.
Qat usage just seems to keep growing and spreading, as new chewers like women and children have entered the chewing field. “In my house, a total of 13 people chew qat on a normal basis,” said Ateeq Abdullah, who has chewed qat for the past 30 years.
According to governmental sources, 80 percent of Yemen's water is consumed for qat, leaving only a small number for the rest of the country. The World Health Organization (WHO) ranked Yemen as one of the world's lowest as to water availability, noting that an American consumes 15 times more water than a Yemeni.
Qat's physical and mental harms are numerous and, in some situations, life-threatening. Ending qat usage in Yemen will take years of continuous efforts. Citizens have become addicted to the leaf, feeling obliged to indulge in chewing and setting aside a special part of their day for it.
Authorities in the past realized the phenomenon's greatness and tried to limit its use in any way possible. Years ago, President Ali Abdullah Saleh openly announced that he would try to stop chewing qat after previously announcing that he chews on weekends. In 2002, the government banned all its employees from chewing qat in governmental institutions throughout the country. Unfortunately, four years later, it has only witnessed more growth than ever before.
Water resources have vanished in many governorates as the government feels an imminent water crisis. Qat consumes 80 percent of Yemen's water, carelessly wasting mankind's most precious liquid. “Qat's existence will always be part of Yemen. It is not seen as an addiction. It is part of our culture, heritage and traditions,” said known qat addict Ayman Nasser of Rada'a city. “It is like telling Egyptians to destroy their pyramids – it's impossible,” he added, looking serious about his remarks.
Since qat is viewed as part of Yemeni culture, many concerned citizens still believe ending its spread is possible if users are given a better replacement. Local analysts believe qat is spreading due to citizens having nothing else to do, as unemployment runs high in this impoverished country. “If people had jobs and responsibilities, they would never revert to qat. The leaf is only being used until the government opens doors of opportunity to people,” Fatima Imad said.
A limited local survey of senior citizens aged 50-70 revealed that 90 percent of them believe qat is more popular now than in the past. They mentioned that only on rare occasions would people get together for the type of qat sessions seen nowadays and that diwans (qat chewing halls) were normal and like any other room. “I don't understand how things changed in Yemen. I can't remember myself when I was younger making plans to chew qat,” 68-year-old Mohammed Abdul Aleem said.
Many of the younger generation blame poverty and unemployment for qat's sudden spread. In the past, even those who couldn't find jobs would busy themselves on family farms or go after cattle, allowing them no time to think of chewing qat except on rare occasions. Families laid down responsibilities for the entire family, as women had to hold a side job to go along with their house and family duties.
Opinions differ from one person to another concerning what is to be done if Yemen plans to stop qat's spread around the country. Below is a list gathered from questioned citizens about what might be done to solve this ongoing crisis and limit qat's dangerous usage. These and many other solutions could be employed to safeguard future generations against using the dangerous qat leaf.
1. Raising tax prices as foreign countries do for cigarettes.
2. Keeping school children aware of its negative aspects.
3. Limiting places where qat can be sold. For example, leaving one qat shop for Sana'a, which could be located 10 kilometers outside the capital. In return, this would make possessing qat a burden.
4. Using television or street ads to show qat's dangers.
5. Giving qat growers fruits and vegetables to grow while offering them free diesel for their crops.
6. Banning qat usage on major city streets and giving violations for those seen chewing qat in the street.
7. Raising water prices for qat growers.
8. Distributing free brochures and magazines informing citizens of the leaf's dangers.
9. Opening sports clubs for men and women to spend their time.
10. Establishing more libraries in the heart of cities to attract youth.
11. Giving more importance to sports and activities, thereby attracting youth and adults.
12. Offering citizens more job opportunities to busy themselves.
13. Producing plays and movies concerning qat's dangers.
14. Setting an age limit for those allowed to chew qat. For example, teenagers under age 18 would not be allowed to chew or possess qat.
15. More parks for citizens who want to enjoy their time with friends.
16. Places for families to get together for those wishing to have family trips.
17. Showing health statistics to citizens based on actual statistical information about the dangers accompanying qat.
18. Revealing stories and tragedies of qat chewers.
19. Making water prices extremely expensive for qat growers.
20. Teaching children that the leaf is bad, as well as the financial and health crisis it brings.
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