Tinaye Agere
Theseus Shambare
The Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB) is taking significant strides towards ensuring that Zimbabwe’s tobacco production is sustainable and ethical.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, TIMB chief executive officer, Mr Emmanuel Matsvaire, highlighted the Board’s commitment to promoting best agricultural practices, environmental management and social and human rights areas to improve socio-economic conditions for tobacco growers and their communities.
The Board’s initiatives align with the Sustainable Tobacco Program (STP), an international framework for driving industry-wide sustainability standards.
“In 2023, TIMB introduced the Agricultural Labour Practices (ALP) Code and a new Contractors Compliance Administrative Framework, which all registered tobacco contractors signed and are mandated to follow,” Mr Matsvaire said.
These legislations, he said, are the Board’s commitment to raising awareness and building capacity for a sustainable industry, in line with its vision: Towards Sustainable Tobacco Production, enhanced marketing systems, and improved livelihoods in Zimbabwe by 2025.
“Starting this season, contractors are providing growers with tree seedlings to establish woodlots, reducing the pressure on natural forests.
The Board has also published a list of hazardous tasks for children constituting child labour and contractors are monitoring the school attendance of their contracted farmers’ children,” said Mr Matsvaire.
To raise further awareness and build capacity, the Board has conducted over 50 sustainability field days and empowerment-based training for farmers, extension workers, trainers and farm workers in all tobacco-growing regions.
Additionally, tobacco growers are encouraged to adopt sound business practices, including tracking labour costs.
By promoting sustainability, TIMB aims to improve workplace safety, health conditions, environmental conservation, and income for farm workers. This ultimately contributes to positive economic growth and improved livelihoods for tobacco growers and their communities.
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