Official data indicate that the proportion of Mozambicans lacking a secure supply of food has fallen to 24 percent from 50 percent 10 years ago, Xinhua reports.

The Chinese government-run news agency cites figures given by the Mozambican Agriculture Ministry.

The report quotes Agriculture Minister Higino de Marrule as saying his country has taken measures to reduce the food insecurity rate.

“Despite this progress, there are still challenges related to access to nutritious food and resilience to climate shocks that have huge impact on food production,” Mr de Marrule said.

Government policy in the countryside is to give women and farmers greater roles in making the supply of food more reliable, Xinhua quotes the minister as saying.