Decolonization is to ‘deproduce’ sugar and tobacco
Deproducing sugar and tobacco is more than just a shift in agricultural practices; it’s a symbolic act of decolonization. It’s about dismantling the exploitation of the global North, it is reclaiming our lost narratives — empowering the Global South.
Post-development movement emerged in the late 20th century as a critique of mainstream development doctrine, which was seen as eurocentric, top-down, and focused on growth. The core idea of post-development is to move beyond the conventional notion of development as a linear, western-centric process that fails to account for the diverse cultural contexts and lived experiences of communities in the global South. the discourse of development has been used to justify colonial and neocolonial interventions and has led to the marginalization of indigenous knowledge and practices.
The reliance on sugar and tobacco production in the Global South is a direct consequence of this coloniality exploitation — this continues until today. European powers established vast plantations, often relying on forced labour, to cultivate these high-value crops for export. This extractive system stripped wealth from these regions while leaving behind environmental degradation and a dependence on a limited range of products. ‘Deproducing’ sugar and tobacco offers an opportunity to break these colonial chains and empower nations in the Global South to determine our own agricultural development.
The tobacco grip extends far beyond the smoker’s lungs. At the heart of the public’s concern lies the undeniable threat to health posed by sugar and tobacco. Vast swathes of fertile land are sacrificed for these cash crops, displacing local food production and pushing communities towards malnutrition. Deproducing tobacco isn’t just about health, it’s about reclaiming land for food security and restoring ecological balance.
The overreliance on sugar and tobacco fosters a form of neocolonial dependence. As with the colonial period, these economies remain vulnerable to the whims of external markets. Deproducing these crops empowers nations to cultivate a wider variety of agricultural products. This will lead to fostering economic diversification and sovereignty — crucial aspects for the global South.
The environmental consequences of sugar and tobacco cultivation disproportionately burden the Global South — deforestation, soil degradation, and water pollution not only disrupt ecosystems but also limit the ability of these regions to develop sustainable food production systems. Deproducing these crops allows for the reallocation of land towards sustainable practices, promoting environmental restoration and reclaiming resources for local food security. This shift contributes to healing the environmental wounds inflicted by coloniality practices.
This effort, an act of ‘deproducing,’ is not just about environmental sustainability; it’s a call for a more holistic decolonization for the global South. This process requires a multifaceted approach, including support programs for farmers transitioning to alternative crops, investment in research and development of sustainable agricultural practices in the Global South, and the establishment of fair trade initiatives that prioritize the economic well-being of these regions.
Farmers who rely on these crops for their livelihood need support — financial assistance, training in sustainable practices, and access to new markets. The government programs need to offer grants and low-interest loans to help co-operative farmers invest in diverse crops. The intellectuals should arrange workshops — teaching techniques for regenerative agriculture, soil conservation, and water management to the local farmers. Public awareness campaigns should highlight the challenges they face and advocate for government programs that provide financial assistance during the transition to alternative crops.
The path to deproduction won’t be easy. It requires a collective effort — developed nations need to provide support, not just financially, but also through knowledge sharing and dismantling the exploitative structures that perpetuate colonial dependence.
Moreover, deproduction isn’t just about tearing down; it’s about building anew. It’s about a gradual shift, a conscious decoupling from a system that no longer serves us. It’s about nurturing a future where sweetness comes naturally from fruits, and prosperity blossoms from a decolonization practices. Farmers may transitioning from sugar to cultivating diverse, nutrient-rich crops. Communities are no longer ravaged by tobacco-related illnesses, with healthcare resources freed up to tackle other challenges. This is the future we should create together.
