Zim food crisis rises

The UN food agency said hunger was worsening in Zimbabwe after erratic rains, shortages of seeds and fertiliser and "poor agricultural practices" in the troubled economy.

This, the UN said, had 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 with last year. It said about 1.1million rural people would need food aid up to December, rising to 1.6million in the traditionally "lean months" to March.

The agency's latest bulletin yesterday said $119-million was needed for upcoming food assistance. It said food shortfalls were becoming especially critical in arid southern Zimbabwe.