The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Program says agricultural output has increased this year in Zimbabwe, but there could still be severe food shortages. 

Increased precipitation is good news for maize farmers

In a joint report released Thursday, the UN development agencies said good rainfall more than doubled production of the country's staple crop, maize. They also said more liberal trade policies also meant imported food was more available.

But not all news is positive.

The World Food Program predicts a drop in wheat production this year for Zimbabwe.

The report predicted that the high cost of fertilizer and uncertain electricity supplies needed for irrigation will mean record low wheat production. 

Peter Smerdon, spokesperson for the WFP said,"general yields are extremely low and continue to be low.  [Nearly three million] people out of 11million will probably need food assistance in the coming year.”  

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