Deforestation, and resulting land erosion, is severe, and much of it is attributed to woodfuel use. Further, much of the woodfuel used in the brick kilns is purposely cut from the nearest natural miombo woodland. Most of the forest in close proximity of the village has already disappeared. To improve their situation, the villagers have on their own started to plant eucalyptus trees for woodfuel production, but have had problems related to land rights, even though the eucalyptus grows very well. The double approach of reducing demand through improved kilns and increasing supply through plantations, seems to be well understood and attractive to the villagers.
Tobacco curing is of course different in many respects from brick making.
The main difference is that the tobacco growers include some very wealthy farmers who cultivate large areas and have access to investment capital, a phenomena that does not exist in the woodfueled, brick-making industry. The TTB also gives advice and assistance to the farmers. The problem, as TTB sees it, is that the small farmers cannot afford the additional investment. The TTB is very interested in this and will participate at all levels.