Zimbabwe has devised a novel way to combat widespread malnutrition in prisons: getting prisoners to grow their own food, state radio reported.

Around 1000 prisoners died from malnutrition in Zimbabwe's prisons in the first four months of 2009, the most recent figures available.

Figures are likely to have improved slightly since the economic crisis at the time.

Last year, the justice ministry proposed culling some of the country's elephants to feed prisoners - provoking an uproar from animal rights groups.

Now the underfunded Zimbabwe Prison Services is expected to venture into "full-time agricultural production," said the Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation, adding that all sentenced inmates will be sent to so-called farm prisons.

"Under the programme, only those awaiting trial will be accommodated in town prisons," ZBC reported.

"Those convicted will serve their sentences on farm prisons."

The new policy "will see prisoners producing enough food for their consumption," said David Mangota, permanent secretary in the justice ministry.

Cash-strapped Zimbabwe spends $1.7-million (R12-million) per month to feed 14000 prison inmates little more than cabbage and watery sadza porridge, made from Zimbabwe's staple maize meal.

Relatives are often forced to feed prisoners themselves to ensure they get a decent diet.

In the past, prisoners have been sent to work on farms belonging to senior Zanu-PF politicians, in return for rations.

It was not immediately clear whether the ministry intended to use existing farm prisons or whether new ones would be established.