Effects of Khat Consumption on Household Socioeconomic Development

Khat chewing is widespread among the working force in Somalia. They chew it in private and public chewing rooms which are open daily from 1.00pm to 12.00am. The consumption of khat and its trade influence the socioeconomic development of households in Puntland. This book presents the findings from a study on 269 male khat consumers aged between 15 and 64 years and 91 female khat traders in Garowe district. The main issues highlighted in the study were the effects of the long hours spent in chewing khat, diversion of family income on khat consumption, the contribution of khat trade to households as well as the challenges faced by female traders in the business. Recommendations for the policy makers and the public have also been presented within this book.