The Lights Go Out in Zimbabwe

Households in Zimbabwe are to be limited to four hours power supply a day in the latest setback to hit the country's struggling economy.

The measure, meaning electricity will only be available in homes between 1700 and 2100 local time, is likely to come into force immediately.

The move is designed to support the country's wheat farmers which need power to irrigate their crops.

Rampant inflation has led to widespread shortages of fuel and food.

The monthly rate of inflation rose to 2,200% in March, the highest in the world.

Farm priority

Critics accuse President Robert Mugabe of presiding over the destruction of the country's economy and society in an effort to hold onto power.

But the government says Zimbabwe's economic problems are primarily due to foreign sanctions.

State-owned power firm Zesa Holdings said the restrictions would be in place for the next three months while demand for power is lower than at other times of the year.

Wheat farmers will be guaranteed power for 18 hours in an effort to boost the winter crop.

Zimbabwe is being forced to import maize after a poor harvest which the government blamed on drought conditions.

Power cuts have become a regular occurrence in Zimbabwe, where a shortage of foreign currency has prevented investment in the country's creaking infrastructure.