ZIMBABWES government admitted on Thursday for the first time that the country faces food shortages later this year and may need international aid. That there will be shortages in national production is confirmed. The uncertainty is the magnitude,” Finance Minister Simba Makoni told journalists on Thursday. Previously government officials have adamantly denied reports — some compiled by its own agencies — that the normally self-sufficient nation would not produce enough cereals this year to meet its needs. Makoni said government has already contacted “key members of the international community to indicate that we will be short and will need assistance.” – AFP
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