Qat in Yemen

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Qat is a large, slow growing, evergreen shrub, reaching a height of between 1 and 5 metres, in equatorial regions it may reach a height of 10 meters.^[1] Its scientific name is Catha Edulis. This plant is widely cultivated in Yemen and is generally used for chewing. When Qat is swallowed, its' leaf juice has a caffeine-like affect. It is deeply rooted in Yemeni culture.

Contents 1 Qat and the economy 2 Qat in culture 3 Negative side effects 3.1 Side effects on adults 3.2 Side effects on teenagers

[edit] Qat and the economy

One reason for cultivating Qat in Yemen so widely is the high income for farmers. Some studies done in 2001 estimated that the income of Qat cultivated in one hectare is about 2.5 million rials, while it is only 0.57 million if fruits were cultivated, which was a strong reason for farmers to leave cultivating coffee and fruits.^[2]

For that reason, the area on which Qat is cultivated doubled 13 times; from 8,000 hectares in 1970 to 103,000 hectares in 2000. However, these numbers are only estimations because the real number may be more.^[3]

Besides, some researchers say that the time spent chewing Qat is considered as "wasted work hours" for the economy of Yemen since Yemenis spend about 4 to 5 hours everyday chewing Qat. It is also estimated that about 14,622,000 work-hours are wasted every day².

One of the terrible economic effects of cultivating Qat is the usage of the underground water. Studies estimate that the volume of water used in Qat farms is about 55% of the whole water usage in Yemen, which is a high percentage that threatens the underground water in the north and the middle of Yemen.^[4]

About the percentage of Yemenis who chew Qat, researchers estimate that about 70-80% of people between 16 and 50 years old chew Qat three times a week or at least on occasion. Moreover, the researcher Dr. Ali Al-Zubaidi estimated that the amount of money spent on Qat have increased hugely; in 1990, Yemenis spent 14,581,000,000 rials on Qat, while in 1995 they spent 41,202,000,000 rials. Besides, some researchers estimated that families spend about 17% of their income on Qat, which is only an estimation because the real number may be more.^[5]

[edit] Qat in culture

Qat is widely used in weddings and other social gatherings. It has been around for a long time, and now is more or less indented in the daily habits of lots of Yemenis. Qat's effects, much like other stimulants (coffee, etc.), arise when it is used at a high frequency (more than once per week). If it is consumed under that frequency then some negative side effects will be minimized, and in turn the positive sides will be maximized. Side effects will start to affect the user after regular, daily use (see below).^{[citation needed]}

[edit] Negative side effects

[edit] Side effects on adults

One of the most serious (economic) side effects that arise from Qat is the daily cost of Qat for lower class consumers. While these consumers have to support their families, their daily expenses of Qat, usually with cigarettes and carbonated drinks, leads to spending most of their income on it and which, in turn, affects the spending (for food and other needs) on their family and kids. For health hazards, the increased use of Qat on the long run leads to problems in the Mouth Gum, and effects on the teeth, due to increased chewing of the stimulant, and other Health Hazards.

[edit] Side effects on teenagers

Increased (daily) use of Qat, generally for 4-5 hours a day, from mid-day till night can be a problem for teenagers. Like most habit forming drugs, teenagers that chew every day suffer from a loss in motivation for typical social activities such as sports and generally decreased motivation overall. Also lose interest in family and become less motivated in doing things.