Study finds tobacco farming contributes to 15% of deforestation in Zimbabwe
Image Source: Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board
A research study published by Springer on January 28, 2025, reveals that tobacco farming is responsible for 15% of deforestation in Zimbabwe. This finding raises concerns about how the expansion of the tobacco industry, along with changing climate conditions, is intensifying the deforestation of already depleted forests in the country.
The study, which seeks to develop an integrated framework to manage deforestation associated with tobacco farming, has sounded the alarm, calling for a multifaceted approach to help curb the effects of deforestation.
“Environmental and tobacco farming agencies, governments, and communities have to use research for planning and decision-making process and adopt the proffered efforts to enhance collaborative engagement and effective forest management in the agriculture sector,” the study highlighted.
Zimbabwe’s National Tree Ambassador, Never Bonde, has also shared concerns on the devastating impact of deforestation, particularly during the tobacco curing season. In an interview, Bonde emphasized the urgent need for sustainable practices to curb the rampant destruction of trees.
“As we are approaching the time of harvesting, especially for those who are into tobacco farming and those who are using firewood for curing, they must use wise methods such as coal, oil or petroleum gas,” Bonde advised.
Tobacco curing is part of a process in tobacco’s production where the harvested tobacco leaves are dried to enhance their quality, flavor, and shelf life. Zimbabwe’s tobacco is often flue cured, a process that involves heating and drying of the leaves, requiring large amounts of firewood.
“Millions of trees are lost during the tobacco season, and it’s essential to encourage people to adopt alternative methods for curing tobacco.”
“To combat deforestation we are planning to launch an operation, ‘Huni wakadziwana kupi/ Inkuni uzithole ngaphi,’ in collaboration with the Police, Forestry Commission, Local Authorities and other stake holders,” said Bonde.
He explained that the operation aims to engage chiefs, headmen, and kraal heads as well as the government to raise awareness about the issue.
While expressing concern that many people prioritize destruction over conservation and highlighting the need for collective action, Bonde announced plans for a massive afforestation effort on Independence Day in 18 April. He urged stakeholders, including schools, government parastatals, and churches, to participate in the initiative, encouraging each and every institution to plant 45 trees (a number representing the country’s years of independence) in their premises.
Meanwhile, the tobacco marketing season has officially opened with projections to increase by 21% this year as the country recovers from the El Nino-induced drought.
During the opening, Agriculture Minister Anxious Masuka highlighted that farmers expanded tobacco plantings to 125,000 hectares this season, up from 113,000 hectares last year. As a result, the projected output is expected to rise from 230.9 million kg in 2023 to 280 million kg.
