The socioeconomic importance of tobacco production in Zimbabwe

Mazikana, Oga Maria

Tobacco production is one of the major cash crops grown in Zimbabwe. The crop has a wide range of social and economic importance for farmers as well as the nation. The growth of tobacco has fluctuated due to some economic challenges that Zimbabwe has faced in recent years. This study assesses the socioeconomic benefits of growing tobacco in Zimbabwe and also investigate some of the determinants (climate, capital, labor, markets, and price) in tobacco production in the country. The results show that tobacco is a crop that has improved farmers’ livelihoods and also led to economic improvements in the country. However, the crop also has led to land degradation as trees have been cut down for farming. The study also noted that climate, yields, finance, markets and price have implications on tobacco production in the country. The government has a major role to play in improving tobacco production policies, such as the land tenure, providing capital and also markets for the growers. Measures to reduce deforestation also have to be put in place and more research work should be conducted to increase yield. Subsidies and new crop varieties should be introduced for better production.

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