Cutting down trees in Zimbabwe continues unstopped, especially in tobacco-growing areas. What is worrisome is cutting down without replacing or planting new ones to allow for time to replenish those being cut.Deforestation is a cause for concern for everyone. Our fresh air is under threat. The Constitution states that we have a right to a clean environment. Trees are critical as they keep the soil intact and prevent soil erosion. The cutting down of trees should be balanced to keep the biodiversity in check rather than cutting down in excess and causing other effects on the environment. People in tobacco growing areas end up suffering from respiratory challenges due to the pollution in the skies and it’s a big blow if the trees continue to be used in drying tobacco year after year. Let communities be aware of the dangers of burning trees thereby polluting the environment. The pollution also affects the communities surrounding.According to the Forestry Commission of Zimbabwe, the country is losing 262,000 hectares (647,416 acres) annually due to different reasons. Out of which 20% is lost through tobacco curing. Again, during land clearing for tobacco growing, we also lose forests.
The environment has been silently bearing the brunt of these farmers’ actions, as trees that used to protect the soil, provide a home to millions of other ecologically important creatures, and most importantly, partake in the maintenance of good climatic conditions are fast being depletedIf only farmers could transfer the industry with which they down trees to replanting them. May all the communities around tobacco growing areas be sensitive to the environment and avoid cutting off trees and use other forms of energy to dry their tobacco in bans and legally tobacco farmers requiring to set aside land to woodlots in the hopes of reversing the damage to the country’s natural forests.
