This paper examines disease and the importance of nutrition, especially with respect to children, in underdeveloped countries in general and in Zimbabwe in particular. It then discusses short-term interventions (e.g. feeding programs) initiated in response to the nutrition situation. The context of undernutrition is examined, with a consideration of food availability in Zimbabwe both in relation to the recent war and in a longer-term setting. Finally, the international food situation is considered and the use of food as a political weapon in both the Southern African region and throughout the world is focused upon.
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