Expansion of Flue-Cured Tobacco Cultivation in Matabeleland North Drives Economic Growth
Farmers in Matabeleland North Province have planted 40 hectares of flue-cured tobacco, marking a noteworthy expansion of this cash crop into Zimbabwe’s traditionally non-tobacco-producing regions. The crop was established under dryland conditions, signalling farmers’ adaptation to local climatic realities while diversifying tobacco growing beyond the usual centres in Manicaland, Midlands and Mashonaland provinces.
According to the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development’s Agricultural and Rural Development Advisory Services (ARDAS) weekly report, by January 26, a total of 162,625 hectares had been transplanted by farmers nationwide. This represents a significant increase from 114,301 hectares planted during the same period last year. Of this total, 25,166 hectares were under irrigation, while the majority, 137,459 hectares, were cultivated under dryland conditions. This progress highlights the resilience and expansion capacity of Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector.
In neighbouring Matabeleland South, the production of about 500 tonnes of air-cured tobacco is anticipated this season. Local famers in Mangwe District grow this variety under contract farming arrangements facilitated by Atlas Agri, a local company now in its third year supporting air-cured production. Although some growers irrigate their crops, most depend on natural rainfall, illustrating adaptive water conservation practices.
Mr George Seremwe, President of the Zimbabwe Tobacco Growers Association (ZTGA), noted that the expansion of tobacco production into Matabeleland regions demonstrates the crop’s growing economic significance and positive impact on farmers’ livelihoods. He commended the quality of tobacco produced in these regions, pointing out that air-cured tobacco’s curing process does not require firewood, making it a more environmentally sustainable option.
Zimbabwe holds the distinction as Africa’s largest tobacco producer, supported by the Government’s Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan (2021–2025). This plan aims to increase local financing in the tobacco sector from 5 percent to 70 percent and enhance value-added processing from 2 percent to 30 percent by 2025. These goals align with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) objectives, promoting economic diversification, rural development, and inclusive growth that benefits women, youth and marginalised groups.
Despite such advances, farmers involved in contract farming have expressed concerns over their dependency on foreign capital, which exposes them to global price volatility and results in the repatriation of significant profits. Strengthening local financing models is therefore essential for ensuring equitable benefits and improving the sector’s resilience.
Tobacco remains the “lifeblood” of Zimbabwe’s economy by contributing substantially to gross domestic product (GDP), employment, and rural community livelihoods. The sector’s strategic importance is further underscored by its role as the country’s largest agricultural foreign currency earner.
By mid-2025, Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector achieved a milestone surpassing 300 million kilogrammes in production and generating over US$1 billion in revenue. This accomplishment is a testament to concerted government and farmer efforts to reposition tobacco as a key driver of economic stability.
A notable example is Mrs Nyasha Chikukwa, a smallholder tobacco farmer from Matabeleland North who has embraced the expansion of flue-cured tobacco farming. Utilizing dryland techniques and benefiting from improved access to inputs and training facilitated by government programmes, Mrs Chikukwa reports enhanced incomes that have enabled her family to invest in education and improve household nutrition.
FFA Explainer Box: Flue-cured Tobacco is a type of tobacco dried using indirect heat that produces bright, mild-flavoured leaves, commonly used in cigarette manufacturing. Air-cured Tobacco is dried naturally in well-ventilated barns without smoke or firewood, resulting in stronger leaves used in pipes and cigars.
Looking ahead, continued investment in research, development, and extension services to build farmer capacity will support sustainable growth. Emphasising environmentally sound curing methods and improved irrigation techniques will enhance productivity and mitigate climate risks.
Overall, the expansion of tobacco production in Matabeleland North alongside the Tobacco Value Chain Transformation Plan’s focus on local financing and domestic value addition offers promising prospects. This synergy fosters rural development and strengthens Zimbabwe’s standing as a global tobacco leader while advancing the country’s commitment to inclusive growth under NDS1.
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