Farmers are taking losses in Zimbabwe . They are totaling losses in the face of the worst drought they have ever experienced . Rainfall in 1992 has been less than half the usual amount . The production of maize , a staple crop , is about 50 percent less than normal . Soybeans , winter wheat and cotton production is a fraction of the usual totals . Only drought - resistant tobacco is at normal levels . Transport poses an even more formidable challenge than financing. Farm production for 1992 has decreased to the lowest level in 30 years . Zimbabwe needs 100 million dollars worth of imported food . Electricity shortages are having a serious effect on electric power production .
Farmers are taking losses in Zimbabwe . They are totaling losses in the face of the worst drought they have ever experienced . Rainfall in 1992 has been less than half the usual amount . The production of maize , a staple crop , is about 50 percent less than normal . Soybeans , winter wheat and cotton production is a fraction of the usual totals . Only drought - resistant tobacco is at normal levels . Farm production for 1992 has decreased to the lowest level in 30 years . Zimbabwe needs 100 million dollars worth of imported food . Electricity shortages are having a serious effect on electric power production .