HARARE, ZIMBABWE — Despite a slight increase in production, Zimbabwe’s grain deficit is anticipated to grow to 1.17 million tonnes, said Reuters, citing an official crop report from the ministry of lands and agriculture. The country’s continued grain production inefficiencies increase its food security issues.

According to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), lack of access to markets and the rural Zimbabweans dependency on rain-fed agricultural is affecting the country’s food security.

The ministry estimates grain output will increase to 1.060 million tonnes a small increase compared to the 944,000 tonnes of grain harvested last year.

According to the report, grain stocks in more than half of Zimbabwe’s 60 rural districts will not last six months.