Zimbabwe plans to import 150,000 tonnes of maize from South Africa as it faces its worst food shortages in four years.
State media report the shortages are the result of drought and a poor harvest last year.
The Herald newspaper reported on Friday the United Nations World Food Programme has been working with the government and aid organisations since October, to provide assistance to about a fifth of the country's 13 million people.
The South African imports will add to another 150,000 tonnes already ordered from Zambia.
Deputy agriculture minister David Marapira said Zimbabwe has only 30,000 tonnes of maize in its strategic grain reserve.
The country requires about 2 million tonnes annually.
