The U.S.-based Famine Early Warning Systems Network or FEWSNET says 1 million people in Zimbabwe will need food aid through the end of this year and even more will need help before the 2011 maize harvest next March.
Reports from Zambia meanwhile said Zimbabwe is importing 82-thousand metric tonnes of maize from that country. Harare is also sourcing maize and from Namibia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, reports said.
Agronomist Mandla Nkomo said Zimbabwe prefers maize from Zambia because it is not genetically modified as much of the grain coming from South Africa is. Zimbabwe has barred the import of unmilled GMO cereals.
Nkomo told VOA Studio 7 reporter Brenda Moyo that Zimbabwe must recover the ability to feed itself.
