The 'Malakisi' type of barn is popular in East and Southern Africa and is commonly used by small holders to cure their tobacco. Data pertaining to the tobacco curing practice in the third world is scarce. This paper presents some relevant data obtained from a traditional Malakisi barn and analysis of its performance. However, this type of barn is very inefficient and supplementary curing methods are required to boost the efficiency of curing tobacco in these barns.