The Impact of Chewing Khat and the free essay sample

Background of the study Some oral traditions claim that khat originated from Yemen, however the literature indicates that khat originated from Ethiopia, specifically in Hararge with a gradual expansion to different parts of Ethiopia, Yemen and other parts of the world as cited by Huffnagel in1961 (Dechassa ,2001). In Ethiopia khat is an important and potentially lucrative cash crop. The employment opportunity created through the cultivation of khat is very high in that large numbers of people are involved in growing, harvesting, sorting, packing, transporting, loading and unloading the commodity (Dechasa, 2001) Many literatures explain that growing and chewing khat have both economic advantages and disadvantages. Similarly many researchers conclude that chewing khat has impact on health and on others social issues. Consuming khat juice from young leaves stimulates brain and spinal cord (through synapses) resulting in the desirable effects (as cited by Dechassa from Kalix, 1984), which are perceived by addicted individuals. The pleasurable effects are relief from fatigue, euphoria, increased alertness and energy level, feelings of excitement, improved ability to communicate, enhanced imaginative ability and capacity to associate ideas and heightened self-confidence ( Abebe, 2004) The objective of this study is to analyze on the impact of chewing khat and the prevalence on in and out of school youth. In this study we will try to identify which age groups are highly participated in khat consumption, why an individual’s chew khat and the resource wasted and time elapsed in chewing khat. The out comes of the study will have the significance for the developing understanding about the subject, paving the way for future research and development by development agencies, researchers, extension agents, policy makers and other interested stakeholders. 1. 2. Statement of the Problem Many literatures indicate that khat consumption is addictive and has a negative physical, economic and social connotation. Although non-users both in rural and urban areas condemn the practice of chewing, the number of people chewing is increasing particularly among the youth. In urban areas, chewing khat is a common leisure activity which, combined with the consumption of it, followed by alcohol is having an adverse effect on family life (Dechassa, 2001). The prevalence of khat chewing is increasing and along with it other substances such as cigarette smoking and alcohol drinking are being used. Moreover, illicit substances including shisha and hashish are also being taken. The problem is especially worrisome among youth who have no job or who are daily laborers (Teleke, 2007). Though officially discouraged, khat stands among the most important cash crops in Ethiopia, with strong markets domestically as well as in neighboring Somalia, Djibouti, Yemen and the Gulf State (Dechasa 2001). Khat is clearly an important cash crop in Ethiopia well-known for its foreign currency earnings. Nonetheless, it is little understood and given no development and research attention as yet. Millions of people both in Ethiopia and other countries are making a living from the crop. Nevertheless, it is mostly viewed as a socially undesirable â€Å"drug plant†. As a cash crop commonly grown in otherwise food insecure parts of the country, the need to understand better economics of the plant is very crucial. Different countries have attempted to impose restrictions (by substitution or compensation) against the crop at different times considering it socially undesirable apparently because the economic and sociological aspects of the crop are not well understood. Similarly some literature explains chewing khat has positive impact on the productivity of the individuals. On the other hand chewing khat due to its negative economic and social impact take it as negative correlation with theThe chewing of khat has been practiced for years and is, to a large extent, socially accepted in Ethiopia, Apart from the habitual use of khat, it is reported that it is used by students to improve their academic performance, by truck drivers to keep themselves awake and by laborers to supply the extra vigor and energy they need for their work. The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse. So there is a research gap on the impact of khat with respect the youth and possible risk factors. 1. 2 General Objective The general or over all objective of conducting this research is to assess the impact of khat consumption on socio-economic attributes of societies. 1. 3 Specific Objective The functional objectives of this research consists of the following targets To assess the member individuals engaged on chewing khat in unit of proportion To assess the amount of money encored for khat To identify the most societies class engaged on consuming khat To assess the time utilized in consumption To detect the distribution of the khat consumption degree (extent through the society. Methodology and Study Design 1. 4 The Study area and Population To undertake the representative and precise type of research, the area for the investigation was confined to Adama city with same kebeles 12 and 7 that are center and hold a number of khat vendor’s house or supple ring house. 1. 5 Study Design The research to be conducted will be designed in systematic and logically organized mechanism to strengthen its out pout and effectiveness. So the design will be organized in four series of chapter. Chapter one will deal with introduction that comprises the background. Objectives, significance. Scope and methodology of the study. In chapter two the data analysis and recommendation depending on the result was organized. For the successful achievement, each chapter contents was analyzed detail and in depth. 1. 6 Data Collection Method In or. der to acquire reliable accurate data different data collection method that includes both primary and secondary was followed. In the primary data collection method. A structured questionnaire was prepared and interviews the respondents. On the Other hand secondary type of data can be used to organize related literature and to analyze the existing data with respect to this study, if present. 1. 7 Sampling (Sample procedure) The sampling procedure to be used in determining the sample size was the non-probability sampling technique that comprises the purposive, quota, personal judgment and dealing easily accessible respondents mechanism. This as the researcher, the quota type of non-probability sampling was used to determine the number of respondents in each kebele. 1. 8 Sample Size The total number of sample size was 40respondent, which its size is determined using the non-probability sampling. 1. 9-Techinques of Data Analysis and Interpretation In processing the collected data, the data was depicted using the tabulation narration, and graphic as required. Ratios can be used to reveal the percentage that helps to inter the total population effect. In line with these each data entry, Encoding, clearing, presentation and interpretation was done duly. 1. 3 Significance of the Study This study is expected to provide highlight about the major problems and constraint faced by khat consumption on society in â€Å"Adama† city. The results of the study will have the following significance. It will give awareness for the society about the impact of chewing (Consumption of khat) It will be used as foot stages for other researcher for further investigation in the area. The outcomes of the study will be used for policy makers to formulate policy towards khat Production and consumption and take policy measur To conducted meaningful and systematic type of research, it is must to pursue a well defined and organized research methodology and peocedures. As the methodology determines the destiny of the research to be complex and realistic (It not well designed) and smart and acceptable (If it is systematical type of reaserch methodology. Therefore, the following procedures will be followed in conducting this investigation.