This archive report was first published on 7 August 2019.
August 7, 2019 - Zimbabwe, once a regional bread basket, is facing a severe food crisis after years of turmoil. The southern African country is suffering from the effects of drought, a cyclone, and a severe economic downturn.
Recent harvests have been badly affected by drought, leading to a sharp rise in food prices. Low water levels have also hit the main hydro-electric plant at Kariba, triggering rolling power cuts across the country.
The situation was exacerbated by Cyclone Idai, which swept through the region earlier this year, affecting 570,000 Zimbabweans and leaving tens of thousands homeless.
According to the government, this year's maize harvest failed, and by the time of the next harvest in March, half the country will need food aid.
However, Zimbabwe's problems are partly man-made, with President Emmerson Mnangagwa failing to bring economic stability since he won disputed elections last year.
The World Food Programme (WFP) has launched a $331m appeal to help the country battle the effects of drought, a cyclone, and an economic crisis.
"We are talking about people who truly are marching towards starvation if we are not here to help them," said David Beasley, the head of the World Food Programme (WFP).
The UN was already appealing for $294m for Zimbabwe but says it now needs more funding as the impact of the drought has spread.
