National Chairperson for Allied Tobacco Farmers for Economic Development, Jesina Mangwiro
Staff Writer
The National Chairperson for Allied Tobacco Farmers for Economic Development, Jesina Mangwiro said farmers who are growing the golden leaf need full support from stakeholders inorder to realize their full potential and contribute to the 2030 National Agenda.
Speaking to The Blast yesterday during a field day event held at councillor Sixpence Chirenje’s homestead at Mangwende Village in Mucheke, Murehwa South Constituency, Mangwiro said tobacco farmers in the country lack the requisite resources.
“As tobacco farmers in Zimbabwe, we contribute a lot towards the national economy but the challenge is that we are not being fully recognized, our voices are not being fully heard,” said Mangwiro.
“We have numerous challenges we are facing.Most of our farmers rely on cattle as draught power, we have no tractors to carry out our tobacco farming work.If we get enough support in resources we will realize a good, huge and quality harvest, thereby contributing immensely to the national economy cake.
We are in full support with President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030 Mantra -Leaving no one and no place behind.”
Mangwiro said her organization is working with tobacco farmers across all provinces in the country to uplift the farming of the golden leaf.
“We are working hand in gloves with tobacco farmers in the country to uplift tobacco farming.It is our hope that by 2030, tobacco farmers will be able to sustain themselves and have mechanized agriculture machinery such as centre pivots,” she said.
Mangwiro said they are hoping that land be availed for the youths so that they engage into farming thereby desisting from drug and substance abuse.
“We are appealing to government for land to be availed so that youths can enmbark on income generating projects through tobacco farming.That way we will be able to monitor them and enhance the growth of tobacco farming in the country, working with stakeholders such as Tobacco Industry and Marketing Board (TIMB), Tobacco Research Board (TRB).Engaging these important organizations will assist us in having some workshops that will educate youths in tobacco farming skills.
“It is our aspiration that if tobacco farming is enhanced, this will assist and go a long way in fulfilling President Mnangagwa’s economic vision,” she said.
Mangwiro said the thrust-Working together for a better tomorrow- will be the organization’s leading light.
“The theme, Working Together for a better tomorrow will be our yardstick.If we work together as a country, we will succeed as one voice working under the guidance of our party, Zanu PF.
We are glad that through the President we are now able to move around and bring out our challenges and our vision as tobacco farmers.”
Other challenges faced by tobacco farmers, according to the organization also include lack of adequate financial support from banking institutions.
Tobacco Farmers For Economic Development was formed in March 2025 and now has 10 000 members.Its aim is to empower and support tobacco farming in the country in line with President Mnangagwa’s 2030 Vision.