Zimbabwe’s tobacco farmers plead for a better deal
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Under the new tobacco-selling regulations put in place since the coronavirus pandemic struck, Zimbabwe’s farmers receive 60 percent of their tobacco payments in United States dollars and the balance in Zimdollars, Zimbabwe’s local currency [File: Philimon Bulawayo/Reuters]
Tobacco is a bright spot in Zimbabwe’s agricultural sector, but wait times for crop payments and exchange-rate roulette can wreak havoc on farmers’ profits.
Harare, Zimbabwe – Bornface Batwero sits languidly in the driver’s seat of his lorry outside the Tobacco Sales Floor – an auction venue in the capital Harare where farmers gather from around Zimbabwe to sell their crops.