At first glance, "We are in the business of trees" may seem like an unusual statement for a tobacco company, but for JTI Zambia, it rings true. As a tobacco company working with over 8,000 small-scale tobacco growers across Zambia, JTI Zambia is committed to sustainably cultivate two key types of tobacco: Burley in Eastern Province and Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) in Central and Western Provinces.
Flue-Cured Virginia tobacco requires wood for curing, and this process poses a risk to Zambia’s valuable forestry cover. Recognizing this challenge in 2012, shortly after establishing its leaf sourcing operations in Zambia, JTI Zambia understood the urgent need for a sustainable solution to wood sourcing to support its goal of becoming a leader in sustainable tobacco production.
With this vision in mind, the company initiated an agroforestry program to help small-scale farmers grow their own trees for curing, construction as well as heating needs. From 2012 to 2019, JTI Zambia worked alongside contracted growers to plant trees. However, the initiative faced significant challenges. Many growers lived in areas already surrounded by abundant trees, making it difficult for them to envision a future without these resources. By collaborating with traditional leaders and local forestry offices, JTI was able to shift mindsets and demonstrate the long-term financial benefits of growing healthy trees.
Yet, to meet its ambitious target of becoming wood-neutral by 2030, the company needed to take its efforts to the next level. In 2019, JTI Zambia launched a commercial woodlot project, establishing its own woodlots to supplement the trees grown by its contracted growers.
Today, JTI Zambia can proudly say, "We are in the business of trees," with over 100 woodlots and 3 million plus trees planted. The company’s continued commitment to sustainability reflects not only its dedication to responsible tobacco production but also its broader role in environmental stewardship. As JTI Zambia moves forward, it remains committed to its goal to nurture both the land and the livelihoods of its contracted growers, working towards a greener, more sustainable future for all.