The East African plant khat (Catha edulis) has been popular for centuries in the Horn of Africa and parts of the Middle East.
Khat in the Horn of Africa —
The East African plant khat (Catha edulis) has been popular for centuries in the Horn of Africa and parts of the Middle East.
The flowering shrub's leaves, twigs, and shoots are chewed, giving users a sense of mild euphoria.
Khat in the Horn of Africa —
The flowering shrub's leaves, twigs, and shoots are chewed, giving users a sense of mild euphoria.
AFP/Getty Images
The Dutch government announced in January a ban on all imports of khat -- the mild narcotic is already illegal in the U.S. and most European countries.
Khat in the Horn of Africa —
The Dutch government announced in January a ban on all imports of khat -- the mild narcotic is already illegal in the U.S. and most European countries.
Kenya's government officials say they are in talks with their counterparts in the Netherlands to reverse the ban.
Khat in the Horn of Africa —
Kenya's government officials say they are in talks with their counterparts in the Netherlands to reverse the ban.
Khat is key to the economic survival of thousands of farmers in Kenya's Meru county who grow it legally.
Khat in the Horn of Africa —
Khat is key to the economic survival of thousands of farmers in Kenya's Meru county who grow it legally.
Khat is central to cultural and social activities for many communities in East Africa and parts of the Middle East.
Khat in the Horn of Africa —
Khat is central to cultural and social activities for many communities in East Africa and parts of the Middle East.
A Somali man walking out of the psychiatric ward of the general hospital of the northern Somali port of Bosasso on September 8 2007. The hospital treats numerous patients suffering from psychological damage arising from khat.
Khat in the Horn of Africa —
A Somali man walking out of the psychiatric ward of the general hospital of the northern Somali port of Bosasso on September 8 2007. The hospital treats numerous patients suffering from psychological damage arising from khat.