Zimbabwe: Woodlots - Alternative Source of Curing Tobacco

Source from:  The Herald 04/02/2010

ZIMBABWE'S land reform programme marked the increase in the number of small-scale tobacco growers in the country. This has resulted in a massive shift in the tobacco-growing base, previously dominated by a few commercial white farmers who produced the bulk of the crop. According to Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board, the current number of small-scale tobacco growers stands at 17 049. However, the change in the tobacco grower base has led to a major shift in the source of energy to cure tobacco from the traditional coal with wood now being preferred as an alternative. While coal supplies over the past years have been erratic, the collapse of the country's railway system resulted in high costs of transporting coal from major sources to tobacco farms. Consequently, unsustainable harvesting of trees for tobacco curing continues threatening the country's indigenous and commercial woodlands, which are of economic importance to the country. The Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe says it is engaging farmers to plant fast growing tree species such as eucalyptus for tobacco curing as a way of conserving forests and providing affordable fuel to sustain tobacco farming. This has come following realisation that the majority of small-scale farmers have resorted to cutting down trees to cure their tobacco as a substitute for coal, which is beyond the reach of many. "Alternative wood for curing tobacco by new farmers should come from exotic tree species particularly gum trees," Forestry Commission corporate communications manager Mr Abednigo Marufu said. "Gum trees grow faster than local species given that wood will continue to be the most affordable and accessible energy for farmers." Mr Marufu said the commission has come up with the Tobacco Wood Energy Programme, which seeks to address fuel requirements for tobacco farmers. The programme has been taken to major tobacco growing areas such as Manicaland, Mashonaland West, East and Midlands. According to Mr Marufu, the programme, which targets about 21 000 commercial and communal farmers countrywide involves training and supporting gum plantations. In addition to training, Forestry Commission has managed to assist farmers in establishing 321 gum trees nurseries which have so far produced 600 000 seedlings in five tobacco producing provinces. Mashonaland East, which has the highest number of tobacco growers, has recorded the highest number of projects so far. The area planted under gum trees since the inception of the project is now over 300 ha and the figure is expected to increase. To date, the commission has managed to train almost 3 500 farmers. The number could grow to 15 000 by the end of this year. With a minimum maturity period of five years, hybrid eucalyptus is the most recommended variety. For optimum results, a farmer should grow one hectare of woodlots every year. Analysts said the TIMB, apart from seeking markets, should co-ordinate various stakeholders and advocate standards and review of production policy. Representative bodies for tobacco growers, Government arms such as the Tobacco Research Board, Arex and the Department of Natural Resources should strive for high levels of collaboration to promote this programme. There is no law yet that compels farmers to grow trees. However, a Statutory Instrument is almost through. It is with the Attorney General Office and is expected to be gazzetted in the next two months. Brazil, one of the world's major tobacco producers implemented a similar project in the late 60's to curb destruction of tropical forests. Some analysts have suggested the programme be made mandatory for every tobacco farmer. The rampant destruction of commercial and indigenous trees by new farmers is happening when the forestry industry is yet to recover from the devastating effects of cyclone induced floods in 2000 which destroyed several hectares of forests in the Eastern Highlands. Uncontrolled veld fires have also added to the industry's woes. Enditem