Going Hungry in a Breadbasket

Zimbabwe, which had previously been the largest grain exporter in Africa, is teetering on the brink of famine, thanks to the ruinous economic policies of Robert Mugabe. The Telegraph's Peta Thornycroft reports from Harare:

"I can't afford bread any longer," said Rejoice Makore, 54, a self-employed handyman in central Harare. "Only Jesus can help us now. I am hungry all the time."

His business is faltering as fuel, only available at black market prices, is now so expensive he cannot afford to travel to customers.

"Under (Ian) Smith, we had meat every day for just a few cents. I haven't eaten meat for so long I can't remember the last time," he said.

"Yes, I supported Mugabe then. But not now as we are starving."

Technorati Tags: Zimbabwe, Mugabe