Zimbabwe survey findings for alternative crops from Makoni & Hurungwe districts

Abstract

Zimbabwe undertook to get an appreciation from the farmer perspective on issues relating to tobacco growing. This was intended to pave a way on how Zimbabwe should prepare itself in adopting WHO FCTC COP 7 guidelines on article 17 and 18. The guidelines are premised on the following principles. Principle 1: Diversification of livelihoods (rather than substitution); Principle 2: Involvement of tobacco growers and workers; Principle 3: Policies and programmes based on best practices and linked to sustainable development programmes; Principle 4: Promotion of these alternatives should be carried out within a holistic framework that addresses health, economic, social, environmental and food security aspects; Principle 5: Partnership and collaboration The commissioned study in the two predominant tobacco growing districts aimed to shed light on the following areas. 1. Sensitize farmers on the possibility of engaging on other livelihoods engagements besides tobacco. 2. Reasons for farmers to engage in tobacco growing. 3. Ascertain farmer preferred alternatives if any. 4. What can be done to encourage and facilitate the transition to sustainable viable alternatives?