RITC

Recipients: Biomedical Research and Training Institute in Zimbabwe
Duration:    May 2002 to January 2004

Background

Zimbabwe is the sixth largest tobacco producer in the world.  Despite the importance of tobacco to the Zimbabwean economy, the full implications of tobacco growing have not been studied at the household, community and national level.  To fill this knowledge gap, the Biomedical Research and Training Institute will study the economic, social and development implications of tobacco growing through on-the-ground research in Makoni District of Zimbabwe.  The researchers will also conduct a literature review to document existing research on the subject.

Overall Objective

The overall objective is to generate detailed knowledge about the economic and social implications of tobacco growing among small to medium-scale growers in Makoni District, Zimbabwe.

Specific Objectives

1.    To assess the social and development implications of tobacco production on rural communities and households, with special attention to labour issues and food security, and the role of women and children in tobacco growing in Makoni Distict.

2.    To study the economic aspects of tobacco growing at the household and community levels in Makoni District.

3.    To conduct a literature review of the economic, institutional and governance aspects of tobacco growing and tobacco crop diversification in Zimbabwe, from a national and community perspective.

4.    To produce research and training reference materials (research manual, survey tools and training manual) for assessing the economic and social implications of tobacco growing in Southern Africa.

Expected Outcomes

The research will document a number of important elements surrounding tobacco production in Zimbabwe:  the role of women and youth in tobacco farming; the role of tobacco in household social relations and the economy; the economic and development implications of tobacco growing on small and medium-sized farmers; and the political and economic dynamics that govern tobacco cultivation and alternative livelihoods, especially in relation to the lives of poor, small-scale farmers. The research is also expected to lay the foundation for a longitudinal study of the determinants and implications of tobacco cultivation in the Southern African region.