TIMB Launches Sustainability Initiatives to Protect Zimbabwe’s Forests and Farmers

The Tobacco Industry Marketing Board (TIMB) in Zimbabwe has unveiled a set of sustainability initiatives aimed at addressing the environmental impact of tobacco farming, particularly the deforestation and degradation caused by land clearing. Over recent years, Zimbabwe’s tobacco farming sector has come under scrutiny for its environmental toll, with widespread deforestation and concerns about child labor practices. TIMB’s new measures aim to mitigate these issues, fostering a more sustainable and ethically sound industry for Zimbabwe’s “golden leaf.”

Tackling Deforestation with Sustainable Wood Sources

A major driver behind TIMB’s sustainability push is to curb deforestation. Historically, tobacco curing—a process that requires significant wood resources—has led to massive forest loss across Zimbabwe. In response, TIMB is encouraging sustainable wood sources, introducing programs that provide tobacco farmers with alternatives to traditional woodcutting practices.

Starting this season, contractors are supplying growers with tree seedlings specifically for establishing wood lots, as well as sustainable wood or coal for the curing process. By establishing dedicated wood lots, the goal is to reduce reliance on natural forests, allowing them to regenerate over time. This proactive approach could be crucial in preserving Zimbabwe’s forests, which have been under intense pressure from tobacco farming demands.

Introducing Agricultural Labor and Compliance Standards

TIMB has introduced new codes and compliance frameworks, aiming to improve the working conditions and ethical standards within the industry. In 2023, TIMB rolled out the Agricultural Labour Practices (ALP) Code and the Contractors Compliance Administrative Framework, both requiring registered contractors to follow specific guidelines. These frameworks cover areas such as human rights, environmental management, and sustainable farming practices, with a focus on improving the socio-economic conditions of tobacco farmers.

Emmanuel Matsvaire, TIMB’s acting chief executive officer, emphasized the board’s commitment to sustainable practices: “TIMB is working to raise awareness and build capacity for a sustainable industry, aligned with our vision of improved livelihoods and enhanced marketing systems by 2025.” These standards are seen as vital steps in TIMB’s goal of advancing sustainable tobacco production that respects both people and the planet.

Protecting Children and Ensuring School Attendance

Child labor has been another contentious issue within Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector, and TIMB has introduced specific measures to address it. The board has published a list of hazardous tasks considered inappropriate for children, with contractors required to monitor school attendance among children of contracted farmers. Additionally, TIMB is using a mobile-based monitoring system to oversee independent tobacco growers, ensuring that children are not engaged in tasks deemed harmful or labor-intensive.

This mobile monitoring system is part of TIMB’s broader reporting platform for the ALP Code. By using real-time data, TIMB hopes to enforce compliance more effectively, ensuring that children are in school and not engaged in labor on tobacco farms. This initiative aligns with international standards set forth by the Sustainable Tobacco Program (STP), a global framework that encourages ethical and environmentally responsible practices across the tobacco industry.

Towards a Sustainable Future for Zimbabwe’s Tobacco Industry

TIMB’s vision, “Towards Sustainable Tobacco Production,” is designed to foster industry practices that prioritize ethical production and sustainable resource management. The board’s current measures aim to build capacity among farmers and contractors, fostering an industry that not only minimizes environmental impact but also enhances the livelihoods of Zimbabwe’s tobacco-growing communities.

With ambitious targets set for 2025, TIMB’s sustainability push is a vital step toward reimagining Zimbabwe’s tobacco sector as one that can thrive without compromising its natural resources or social ethics.