Zambia’s Vice-President Inonge Wina has advised Zambians to switch to what she says are more nutritious foods as opposed to relying on the staple food maize meal—known as nshima.

Nshima is served with almost every meal in Zambia.

Severe hunger has been reported in certain parts of the country following last year’s poor rainfall.

There have been calls to declare the situation a national disaster, a move the government opposes.

But the vice-president has said foods such as millet, sweet potatoes, pumpkins and cassava have numerous health benefits, reports the state-owned Zambia Daily Mail.

“The gradual shift from predominantly maize-based meals is good for the nation as more nutritious foods will have space at our tables,” Ms Wina said in a statement issued on Tuesday by her office.

“It will also act as an assurance of food security at domestic and community levels,” Ms Wina said.