Khat farmers in central Kenya are struggling to sell the leafy stimulant known as Khat or Miraa after most European countries banned its import.It is another day on the farm for this teenager as he picks Khat leaves for local consumption.Hilary Kiriangi said he is fearful for his future as his family struggles to find a market for their produce.Even though I am a student, my community economy will suffer, and someone like me I will not get school fees and a good life。Hezekiah Kiriangi has been a Khat farmer for more than 30 years. He said he also is feeling the pinch of the ban.Since they said we cannot export Khat my business has gone down. Whatever I was getting from the Khat before I cannot get it any more.The issue has been politicized, Khat is not a drug it is like any other crop.The World Health Organization classifies khat as a drug of abuse because it can produce mild-to-moderate psychological dependence.But Kenyans and those living in neighboring countries, especially in the horn of Africa, disagree.Khat is banned in most European countries and the United States and Canada.Before the ban, khat traders exported about 60 tons of the leafy stimulant to the Netherlands and Britain weekly.
