The World Food Program is reported to be stepping up its distribution of maize meal to Zimbabweans to provide some 300,000 metric tons between now and April.

WFP Country Representative Kevin Farrell told the Internet news service ZimOnline that the United Nations agency during November and December provided 20,000 tonnes of food to more than 1.9 million people in 32 districts around the country.

But one food expert with the opposition Movement for Democratic Change expressed concern that distribution channels set up and operated by the state will put a political spin on the distribution of food - i.e. channeling it to ruling party loyalists.

Reporter Jonga Kandemiiri asked MDC secretary for agriculture Renson Gasela if the WFP food aid is getting to all of those who most need it.

More reports from VOA's Studio 7 for Zimbabwe...