HE KEY CAUSESOF FLUE-CURED TOBACCO SIDE-MARKETING WITHIN THE
SMALLHOLDER CONTRACT FARMING SCHEME IN ZIMBABWE AND POSSIBLE
SOLUTIONS

HE KEY CAUSESOF FLUE-CURED TOBACCO SIDE-MARKETING WITHIN THE
SMALLHOLDER CONTRACT FARMING SCHEME IN ZIMBABWE AND POSSIBLE
SOLUTIONS

JABULANI VANCE MARUMAHOKO

This study aimed to uncover the reasons for tobacco side-marketing within the smallholder tobacco
contract scheme in Zimbabwe. The study noted that in the year 2000 Zimbabwe introduced a
unique land reform programme, which was rather violent in some instances. Unfortunately the
majority of the new farmers had no experience in farming especially tobacco which required a lot
of skills and also lagged behind in technological advancement which was critical in producing
high yields and superior quality crop. Smallholder farmers who were once marginalised became
owners of large commercial farms. It has been noted that tobacco is a major contributor to the
Gross Domestic Product and Zimbabwe does not support the banning of tobacco by other global
players.

Zimbabwe Open University

2017