“The United Nations food agency says hunger is worsening in Zimbabwe after erratic rains, shortages of seeds and fertilizer and “poor agricultural practices” in the troubled economy led to a reduction in fields planted with the main staple foods.

The World Food Programme said cereal harvests in the current season were down by an estimated one third compared to last year.

About 1.1 million rural people will need food aid up to December, rising to 1.6 million in the traditionally “lean months” to March, it said.

The agency’s latest bulletin on Tuesday said $119m is needed for upcoming food assistance but so far only $32m has been pledged by financial institutions and donors for food imports. 

WFP said food shortfalls are becoming especially critical in arid southern Zimbabwe.” (link)

Note: No comment on urban food insecurity as a result….

For a report on food insecurity in Harare see the AFSUN publication site. Follow the links from www.afsun.org