UN cuts food rations in Zimbabwe

[katty]

more: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/7722631.stm

UN cuts food rations in Zimbabwe

The UN food agency says it has had to start cutting rations to 4m people in Zimbabwe because of a lack of funds.

The World Food Programme said it had had no response to its October appeal for $140m (£91m) to feed Zimbabwe.

Food could run out entirely by January unless fresh support is provided, the WFP warned, as it takes six weeks for supplies to reach rural areas.

Up to half the 10m population may need food before the next harvest is expected in April, the agency said.

The WFP said it had cut each person's monthly cereal ration to 10kg (22lb) from 12kg, and the pulse ration to 1kg from 1.8kg, to make current stocks last longer.


WFP spokesman Richard Lee warned that the situation would become "critical" in many parts of the country in the coming months.