Preamble

 

The first international, interdisciplinary Conference on Khat, in which participated representatives from Madagascar, Kenya, Djibouti, Somalia, Ethiopia, The Arab Republic of Yemen, Saudi Arabia, The United Arab Emirates and Egypt, as well as experts from the USA, France, Italy, Hungary, Sweden, Switzerland, and the World Health Organization was organized by the International Council on Alcohol and Addictions in cooperation with the Governmental Authorities of the Democratic Republic of Madagascar and took place January 17-21, 1983, in Antananarivo, Madagascar.

 

The possibility of the national, regional or international control of khat production and consumption has been the focus of discussion during the past twenty-five years in several international meetings organized by various international (U.N.) and regional organizations. For example, the recently held African Drug Expert Committee, (Rabat, Morocco, 1981) made recommendations which were submitted to the United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs at its 6th Special Session in February 1982.

 

The Conference took note of the growing concern in countries of the region about the rapid increase in the harmful effects of khat consumption with respect to socio-economic and cultural development as well as to the health of individuals.

The Conference noted that little legal action had been taken so far in view of the absence of scientific data on the harmful effects of khat consumption and also because in certain countries the use of khat had apparently deep-rooted socio-cultural traditions.

The Conference recognized with great satisfaction the rapid progress made in scientific research concerning khat in the fields of chemistry and experimental pharmacology on the one hand but noted that epidemiological, socio-economic and clinical research data on the subject were still sparsely available.

The Conference also took note of the fact that khat cultivation is of economic importance in several countries within the region. The Conference recognized at the same time that this economic benefit to certain countries results in problems affecting development in others.

The Conference, however, noted that in view of the already existing scientific data, certain steps should now be taken to develop action programmes which would be of assistance to both producing and consuming countries improving the quality of life of the population.

 

The Conference therefore recommends:

 

1. That the World Health Organization and other international organizations, as well as universities and scientific institutions be encouraged to pursue epidemiological studies on the results of khat consumption and the consequent health, psychological, social and economic effects on the population of khat producing and consuming countries.

 

2.  That all countries affected by khat be encouraged to consider the development of comprehensive community development programmes including crop substitution as well as basic health and educational services in association with the relevant international governmental and non-governmental organizations.

The Conference urges all international organizations governmental and non-governmental to give priority to requests for assistance to diminish or to eradicate khat production and/or consumption when this request comes from a country concerned of affected by this problem.

 

3.  That further scientific research on various aspects of the problem be carefully planned and coordinated in order to avoid unnecessary waste and duplication of efforts. Countries concerned by the khat problem should be encouraged and supported to play an increasing role in these activities.

 

4.  That in countries concerned measures should be taken to inform and educate the population on the health hazards and economic drawbacks of excessive khat consumption. Where appropriate, optimal use should be made of existing educational, social and religious institutions.

The Conference took note of the research data presented on the harmful effects of khat consumption at health, psychological, ethical, social and economic levels. The Conference noted that it is forbidden in the Shari'ah because its harmful effects are greater than the benefits to be obtained from it and any benefit from it can be found in other plants in which there are no harmful properties.

 

5. That countries concerned, should be encouraged to examine the possibility of concluding bi-lateral or regional agreements to discourage the import and export of khat.

 

6.

a) That a second International Conference on Khat should be convened in 1984 by ICAA to continue the review of existing knowledge and experience started in the first Conference in Madagascar;

b) That one of the major programme objectives of the second conference should be the review of various policy options and socio-political issues available for consideration by concerned countries (governments).

 

7. That ICAA should consider the possibility of establishing a specialized centre on Khat for the purpose of providing a centralized international reference archive and information source on all aspects of khat production, distribution, consumption as well as scientific research data.

 

8. That ICAA submits these recommendations through the appropriate channels to the international bodies and to regional organizations concerned, and where appropriate, to the relevant government authorities in the region.