The Chinese government has agreed to provide Zambia with 4,500 tons of maize in relief food, a senior Chinese diplomat said Tuesday in Lusaka.
In a meeting with newly-appointed Foreign Minister Kalombo Mwansa, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia Peng Keyu also said China will donate Zambia a batch of fertilizer worth of about US$2.5 million.
Zambia is faced with a grain shortfall of about 175,000 tons of maize. The worst hit region is the southern province where some villagers have been eating seasonal wild fruits and tubers for survival.
President Levy Mwanawasa has said at least 4 million Zambians are now facing severe food shortages. The next farming season does not start until November this year while fresh harvests are expected in March 2003.
( August 14, 2002)
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