Implementing FCTC Article 17 Through Participatory Research With Bidi Workers in Tamil Nadu, India

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Occupational Health
• Socioeconomics

Background:

• The bidi (hand-rolled leaf cigarette) industry in India is characterized by exploitation, poor working conditions, and precarious employment.
• Article 17 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC) calls for support for economically viable alternative activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the circumstances, experiences, and aspirations of bidi rollers using participatory methods.
• To identify potential economically viable alternative livelihoods for bidi workers.

Main Methods:

• A questionnaire-based semi-structured interview tool was developed by community health volunteers.
• 46 bidi rolling women were interviewed, followed by two focus groups.
• A workshop was held with 11 bidi rollers to discuss findings and potential alternatives.

Main Results:

• Bidi workers are aware of the health risks associated with their occupation and the products.
• Workers require alternative livelihoods offering comparable income, convenience, and dignity.
• Diverse, locally specific,
• bottom-up
• approaches are needed for alternative livelihood development.

Conclusions:

• Participatory approaches involving bidi workers can uncover new possibilities for alternative livelihoods.
• Empowering bidi rollers in discussions about their circumstances and aspirations is key to developing sustainable alternatives.
• This study pioneers the use of participatory methods to investigate the needs of bidi workers for alternative employment.