Social and Economic Difficulties Caused by Khat Usage in Somalia

Abstract

This Paper Examines the socio-economic consequences of khat usage in Somalia, covering khat usage and habits, willingness to quit, health outcomes, and types of khat used and from where it is imported. A total of 383 face-toface interviews were administered to males aged 18 and above from five districts in Mogadishu, the capital city of Somalia using a cross-sectional design. The study population was estimated to be 120,000 individuals (4% of the population of Mogadishu).A systematic random sampling technique was employed to select khat chewers and cluster sampling also was used to select the participants. The districts chosen were highly populated areas that act as strategic highways for khat; many khat chewers and sellers live in these districts. The study employed SPSS to analyze the data. The primary benefits of taking khat were found to be excitement and a feeling of well-being (46% and 41%, respectively). The major negative effects were sleeping disorders (83%), reduced appetite (50%), depression (29%), and anxiety (24%). Most respondents realized the negative effects of chewing khat only when it was too late and they were already addicted. Almost everyone (92%) wanted to stop chewing khat. The major reason for wanting to stop chewing khat was the negative health effects. On average, users chewed over 250g of khat per day, spending an average of USD 7.29.Severalscholars have argued that if Somalia did not import khat, the country would be one of the most socio-economically developed countries in Africa. The country would save millions of dollars every day, people who work would contribute their full income to their families, and there would be greater impact on work performance in the areas that promote economic growth. The overall health of the nation would also be improved, further improving socio-economic conditions in Somalia. This study is, to our knowledge, the most detailed study of khat usage in Somalia to date. Several recommendations are made regarding how to effectively reduce both khat usage and the buying and selling of khat.

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