By Mthokozisi Mabhena
THE sun rises over the vast tobacco fields of Zimbabwe, casting a golden hue over the delicate green leaves that have, for decades, been the backbone of the nation’s agricultural economy. The indigenous tobacco producers story is one of determination, and a struggle for true economic independence, one that has unfolded since the Land Reform and Resettlement Programme reshaped the agricultural landscape of Zimbabwe.
In the early years of land reform, newly resettled farmers faced insurmountable odds. Many had inherited fertile land but lacked the capital to transform it into productive farms. The legacy of colonial land ownership had left them without access to financial resources, without the infrastructure once afforded to the large white commercial farmers who dominated the tobacco industry before them. And so, as necessity dictated, they turned to contract farming, a system that promised inputs, technical support, and a guaranteed market. In those early days, it felt like salvation, an opportunity to rebuild the agricultural sector under new hands and with new hope.
The fields flourished. The once-small-scale farmers, many of whom had little experience with large-scale commercial tobacco farming, adapted quickly. With dedication they learned the delicate science of curing leaves to perfection, the art of timing their harvests just right. And yet, despite their successes, the prosperity they have envisioned remains out of reach. The contracts once were a bridge to financial stability have become chains, binding them to a system that benefits the financiers more than the farmers themselves.
Contract farming, in theory, provides critical support: seeds, fertilisers, chemicals, and the technical expertise necessary to produce a high-quality crop. In return, farmers commit to selling their tobacco to the contractors who provided these inputs, ensuring a return on investment for those who financed the season. But in practice, the reality is far grimmer. The deductions often opaque, always substantial leave farmers with barely enough to sustain their families, let alone re-invest in their farms. Each season, they return to the contractors, not out of choice, but out of necessity, caught in a cycle of dependency that strips them of agency over their own livelihoods.
Many have questioned the fairness of this system. Why should the farmers, who endure the sweltering heat, the unpredictable weather, and the labor-intensive process of cultivation, earn the least from their hard work? Why do the contractors, who seldom set foot in the fields, control the pricing, the distribution, and ultimately, the fate of the farmer? These are questions that echo across Zimbabwe’s tobacco belt, where frustration simmers just beneath the surface, held at bay only by the unwavering hope that things must, and will, change.
But change demands action. It is clear that the way forward must centre on empowering farmers with financial independence. True agricultural sustainability cannot exist when the very individuals responsible for feeding the industry remain at the mercy of an exploitative system. If Zimbabwe is to fully realise its Vision 2030 goals, it must break free from the stranglehold of contract farming and chart a new course toward farmer-led growth and self-reliance.
The solution lies in access to fair and transparent financing. Farmers must be given alternative pathways to secure the resources they need without sacrificing their autonomy. Local banks and financial institutions must step forward with affordable credit facilities designed for smallholder and medium-scale farmers. Interest rates must be structured in a way that supports growth rather than exacerbates debt, and repayment models should align with the agricultural calendar to ensure farmers are not burdened before they can profit from their harvests.
Additionally, a dedicated Tobacco Farmers’ Development Fund could provide the capital needed to wean farmers off contract dependency. If a fraction of the revenue generated from Zimbabwe’s tobacco exports were re-invested into such a fund, it would create a self-sustaining financial support system that prioritises farmers over external contractors. This model has been successfully implemented in other agricultural economies, proving that it is not only viable but necessary for long-term industry stability.
Beyond financing, the restructuring of the auction system must take centre stage. At its peak, the auction floors were the heartbeat of Zimbabwe’s tobacco pricing mechanism, offering farmers a transparent and competitive market for their produce. But with the dominance of contract farming, auction sales now account for only a fraction of total tobacco sales, reducing price competition and leaving farmers with little negotiating power. Restoring the integrity of the auction system would create a fairer marketplace, where pricing is determined by demand rather than dictated by contractors seeking to maximize their margins.
Cooperative farming models also offer a path to greater financial independence. If farmers band together in cooperatives, they can collectively bargain for better prices, negotiate fair input costs and access larger markets. Cooperative models have worked in other countries and there is no reason they cannot be replicated in the tobacco industry. Strength in numbers can shift the balance of power from the contractors to the farmers themselves.
Sustainability in agriculture is not just about maintaining production levels; it is about creating systems that uplift those who sustain the industry. Tobacco farmers must not only be seen as labourers but as entrepreneurs, as key players in an industry that contributes significantly to Zimbabwe’s GDP. The nation cannot afford to have its most hardworking citizens locked in cycles of debt and dependence. The economic future of Zimbabwe depends on the empowerment of its farmers, on ensuring that their toil translates into tangible prosperity.
To truly embrace sustainable development, Zimbabwe must also look beyond raw tobacco exports. Value addition, processing tobacco locally rather than exporting it in its raw form holds the key to maximising revenue and creating jobs within the country. Investing in cigarette manufacturing and other tobacco-related industries will ensure that a greater portion of the profits remain within Zimbabwe’s borders, rather than being extracted by multinational corporations. This shift would not only benefit farmers but would strengthen the entire economy, positioning Zimbabwe as a leader in the global tobacco value chain.
The road to independence for tobacco farmers is not an easy one, but it is a necessary one. It is a path that requires bold policy decisions and the collective will of farmers to demand what is rightfully theirs. Zimbabwe has already proven that it can overcome adversity; the very existence and success of smallholder tobacco farmers are a evidence to that fact. Now, it is time to take the next step — to move beyond survival and into prosperity.
