Is Qat central to Yemeni culture, as claimed by Facebook user?

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Rejoice Taddy

Claim: A Facebook user shared a video claiming that qat is widely consumed in Yemen for its energising effects and cultural significance.

Verdict: True! The video accurately presents qat’s usage and cultural relevance, though it ignores the downsides of its consumption.

Full Text

For years, various Nigerian communities have traced their ancestral roots and cultural practices to Yemen, often through myths, oral traditions, or religious narratives. These claims of origin are not uncommon, especially in northern Nigeria. For instance, in Gombe State, the Tangale people hold a tradition that their ancestors migrated from Yemen centuries ago, a belief passed down through generations. Similarly, some Kanuri oral histories link their heritage to Yemeni tribes, aligning with the Islamic influence that shaped the region.

These narratives have created a longstanding connection in the minds of many Nigerians, often leading them to be included in conversations or discussions related to Yemen.

On April 4, 2025, a Facebook user, @YouSaif, shared a 2-minute video showing different shots of people going about their business with part of their cheek protruding, as if they were containing excess food. We believe this because they were seen chewing on what was in their mouth.

Just below the video is “an AI-generated figure explaining what the video is about in Hausa, when translated to English,” it says:

“If you were to visit Yemen, you would meet up with a culture where one side of people’s faces is always swollen. This swell is not from creation, nor is it a disease. It is a condition the people of Yemen put themselves in by putting a leaf called qat. 70 out of 100 people eat this leaf in Yemen, and that is why its market is booming,” part of the post reads.

The narrator also said that people who buy it can put a significant amount in their mouths, and it lasts for hours for them, which is why visible swelling is seen.

According to her, people rush to the leaf because it provides energy and helps stop hunger, especially in Yemen, which is plagued by hunger. However, she noted that this leaf is only popular in Yemen because it has been proven harmful to the system, which is why foreign countries have banned its entry and use within their countries.

As of April 19, 2025, when the post was viewed, it had garnered over 3 billion views, 36,000 likes, 307 comments, and more than 1,000 shares.

The comment section featured diverse opinions from users, which were also translated into multiple languages. For instance, @ZainabMagaji wrote,

“I honestly don’t see the point of sharing this story in the Hausa language, especially when we’re seriously battling drug abuse among our youth. Now it seems like the goal is to get them interested in this leaf, maybe even start planting it. What exactly is the benefit of this story, please?”

Another user, @Mustapha Sani, asked, “But is it that it actually makes their cheeks swell, or is it just that they stuff so much of it into their mouths that it looks swollen like that?”

@Kaloma Ali responded, “Here in Maiduguri, it also started being used about three years ago. But here in Maiduguri and Chad, it’s placed between the gum and the teeth; you can do your research and see.”

Having observed that the post included multiple claims, DUBAWA decided to investigate Qat to determine the accuracy of the information shared.

Verification

We began by investigating the qat leaf and discovered that it is also known as khat, a flowering shrub native to East Africa and the Arabian Peninsula. It is an important cash crop in Yemen, Somalia, and Ethiopia, often grown in areas unsuitable for other types of agricultural produce.

When chewed, the bitter-tasting leaves and young buds of this plant release stimulants such as cathinone and cathine, which produce a mild euphoria. These substances can cause feelings of excitement, hyperactivity, and increased talkativeness. While qat holds cultural and social significance in some countries, it is considered a controlled substance in many parts of the world, including the United States, most of Europe, and China.

According to a report by the National Institute of Health, qat-chewing is deeply embedded in daily life in Yemen. An estimated 90% of adult males chew khat for 3 to 4 hours daily. Usage among women is also rising, with a World Bank study estimating that 73% of Yemeni women chew the leaf to varying degrees. Alarmingly, about 15–20% of children under 12 are also daily consumers.

Although the World Health Organisation has not officially classified qat as a dangerous drug or substance, its negative impacts are well-documented. In Yemen, regular use has been linked to high blood pressure, dental decay, insomnia, and poor nutrition, especially among children, as household income is often diverted from food to buying qat.

Families also face economic strain, with significant portions of their income spent on the leaf at the expense of healthcare and education. Environmentally, qat farming consumes vast quantities of water, worsening Yemen’s critical water shortage. People’s productivity is also affected, as many users spend hours each afternoon chewing qat instead of working.