14 Time for accountability was also severely disrupted, affecting both the internally displaced and a significant proportion of the general population.21 Although on 29 August 2008 the government announced an easing of the restrictions on humanitarian operations, restrictions continued to be enforced at local level by “war veterans”, local structures of ZANU-PF, traditional leaders, CIO operatives and soldiers. Humanitarian organizations, including UN agencies, which attempted to deliver food in rural areas were forced to abandon their activities because of the threat of violence by either state agents or ZANU-PF supporters. However, in October 2008 some NGOs reported having some access to rural areas. According to the UN, more than two million people were in need of food aid by September and this number was set to more than double by December 2008. If the government continues to interfere with humanitarian operations the situation could become more desperate. Increased food insecurity caused by the ban on humanitarian operations was compounded by state-sponsored violence throughout the country as tens of thousands of people lost their food reserves when they were plundered or destroyed by ZANU-PF supporters. Looted food was frequently used to feed youths and party supporters who gathered at all-night meetings during the election campaign. In addition, hyper-inflation has eroded the capacity of most urban families to access the little food available on the market. Maize, the country’s staple diet, remains unavailable in most shops. Where it is available on the black market, the price is pegged against the US dollar, making it too expensive for the average Zimbabwean household. Amnesty International delegates saw thousands of people queuing for local currency at banks or for basic goods in shops. Destruction of livelihoods of rural farmers Victims of state-sponsored political violence interviewed by Amnesty International from rural areas were mainly farmers who had had their harvest destroyed, their livestock (including cattle) killed and their granaries burned as a punishment for not supporting ZANU-PF. Moreover, many of these people had also been beaten by members of the security forces, “war veterans” and ZANU-PF supporters. Many suffered broken arms or legs, and would therefore be unable to till their lands during the next farming season and in some cases for the rest of their lives. At the peak of the violence, normal economic activity virtually ceased in many rural areas as villagers were forced to attend ZANU-PF campaign meetings, which in some areas were conducted daily, with every villager expected to attend. The areas affected were mainly, but not exclusively, in Mashonaland, Manicaland, Midlands and Masvingo provinces. Those who did not or could not attend, even if they were not affiliated to the MDC, were subjected to torture, beatings and other ill-treatment. Amnesty International AI Index: AFR 46/028/2008