Chief Chanje cries out over failure of Tobacco Board to distribute tree seedlings to farmers

Chief Chanje of the Chewa-speaking people in Eastern Province has raised concern over the failure by the Tobacco Board of Zambia (TBZ) to distribute tree seedlings to tobacco farmers during the current farming season. In a statement issued in Chipangali District, the chief said tobacco remained one of the most profitable cash crops for small-scale farmers and contributes significantly to household incomes and the national economy. However, he warned that the growing number of farmers cultivating flue-cured tobacco had intensified environmental risks due to the continued cutting of trees for barn construction and leaf curing.

“The absence of a tree seedling distribution programme this season places the environment at a high risk of deforestation and threatens the long-term sustainability of the tobacco industry if urgent corrective measures are not taken,” he said. Chief Chanje urged TBZ to prioritise reforestation initiatives and ensure tree-planting programme were integrated into tobacco production. “Chiefs are ready and willing to work together with the Board and other stakeholders to ensure that tobacco farming is conducted in a sustainable manner that protects the environment for future generations,” he said. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express permission from ZAMBIA MONITOR.