On the 12th of June 2024, a field day took place in the Muswenhede area of Mvurwi in the Mashonaland Central Province of Zimbabwe to inaugurate the Sustainable Afforestation Association (SAA) curing wood harvest. The event, hosted by Mrs Nyangoni, a contracted tobacco farmer for Shasha Tobacco (Pvt) Ltd., was held at Ruia Ranch farm.
The event held significant prominence within Zimbabwe’s agricultural and environmental sectors. Originally scheduled to be graced by Zimbabwe’s First Lady, Dr. Auxillia Mnangagwa, the event was instead officiated by the Minister of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, Dr. S. Nyoni, who stood in for her. Distinguished attendees included the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mashonaland Central, Honorable Magomo; the Minister of Home Affairs, Honorable Kazembe; and TIMB Acting CEO, Mr. Matsvaire. Shasha Tobacco demonstrated a strong presence with staff from various departments, including agronomy, actively participating in the event.
The event commenced with the arrival of guests and featured various forms of entertainment. Upon the arrival of the distinguished guest, the event followed religious, traditional, and national protocols, including an opening prayer, the acknowledgement of local chiefs and leadership, and the singing of the national anthem. The Secretary of Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mashonaland Central facilitated introductions, while the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Mashonaland Central, Hon Magomo, delivered the opening remarks. Additionally, a representative from SAA gave a presentation on the Sustainable Afforestation Association project.
During the presentation, the SAA representative highlighted the establishment of the Sustainable Agriculture Association (SAA) in 2013 by tobacco merchants in Zimbabwe. The association receives funding from these merchants and aims to provide sustainable curing fuel for tobacco farmers. Emphasizing the importance of establishing gum plantations, the SAA representative underlined their role in safeguarding indigenous woodlands from destruction by tobacco farming activities. Furthermore, the SAA is collaborating with the Tobacco Research Board (TRB) to explore alternative, sustainable curing fuel options for the tobacco industry. This initiative aligns with the growing global demand for sustainable tobacco production methods.
During the presentation, the representative of the Sustainable Afforestation Association (SAA) emphasized the organization’s partnership model with farmers for establishing plantations. The SAA highlighted that after three harvests, the plantation is transferred to the partnering farmer. It was noted that it takes approximately 8 to 10 years for a plantation to become harvest-ready, requiring silviculture operations, weeding, and fire protection during this period. Upon harvesting, the typical yield was reported to be around 100 tonnes per hectare of wood. For the re-establishment of plantations, coppice rotation is utilized, while the initial establishment involves the use of seedlings. In conclusion, the SAA representative advocated for the adoption of high-yielding and early-maturing hybrid gum varieties.
The presentation was followed by the official launch of the tree harvesting process, marked by the cutting of the ribbon by the guest of honour, Dr S Nyoni. The SAA harvesting team provided a demonstration of the tree felling process to the assembled guests, showcasing the precise technique by skillfully felling two trees. Both trees were carefully brought down, falling within designated areas to clearly illustrate the planned and executed direction of their fall. Furthermore, the SAA harvesting team showcased the operation of harvesting machinery, including the telelogger. Following the tree felling demonstration, Dr S Nyoni, the guest of honour, led the dignitaries in touring the stands of various exhibiting organizations. Notably, organizations such as SAA, TIMB, Forestry Commission, MTC, PLZ, Seedling Hub, KidscanZimbabwe, National Parks, and Shasha Tobacco were among those presenting their exhibits.
At the Shasha Tobacco exhibition stand, an elegant and straightforward presentation showcased various products of the organization. These products included cured tobacco hands and blended tobacco suitable for export. The presenter at the exhibition stand provided guests with insightful information about the organization’s operations, ranging from contract farming to tobacco purchasing and processing. The guests were captivated by the display of samples featuring different blends of processed tobacco, suitable for both local and export markets.
Following her tour of the exhibition stands, Dr S Nyoni, the guest of honour, delivered her keynote address, during which she expressed gratitude towards tobacco merchants for their efforts in addressing sustainability challenges within the industry. Dr Nyoni emphasized the significance of SAA initiatives, particularly to the Ministry of Environment, Climate, and Wildlife, which she oversees, as well as the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, and Rural Development. She urged stakeholders within the tobacco and agriculture sectors to prioritize sustainability concerns, highlighting the importance of recognizing forestry as a valuable land-use option. Dr Nyoni concluded by appealing to landholders to collaborate with SAA by providing land for plantation establishment.
Following her keynote address, the distinguished guest presided over the presentation of tree-climbing equipment to selected farmers who had collaborated with SAA in the establishment of plantations. This specialized equipment is utilized for harvesting seeds from eucalyptus trees without the need to fall the trees. Additionally, Dr. S. Nyoni presented a donation of two generators to farmers who had partnered with SAA in establishing plantations, including Mrs. Nyangoni, who hosted the launch event. The event was concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Honourable Kazembe Kazembe, the local member of parliament for Mazowe West Constituency, which includes the Muswenhede area where the launch transpired