WASHINGTON, June 3 (Reuters) - Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe's presence at a food crisis summit in Rome should serve as example to others of "what not to do" when it comes to food security, the U.S. State Department said on Tuesday.

Mugabe's attendance at the U.N. crisis summit has provoked strong criticism and organizers left him and Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad off the guest list of a ceremonial dinner.

"In terms of President Mugabe's attendance there, I think about the only useful purpose that can serve is as an example of what not to do in terms of managing agricultural and food policy," said State Department spokesman Tom Casey.

Under Mugabe's rule, Zimbabwe has gone from being a significant food exporter to a net importer and many of its people are starving.

"The tragic situation in Zimbabwe is very much in part attributable to the ruinous policies, not only agricultural policies but other economic policies that President Mugabe's regime has followed," Casey said.

"I think he has a lot to answer for to his own people."

An estimated 4 million Zimbabweans rely on food aid in a country that was once the region's breadbasket. Inflation is around 165,000 percent, unemployment 80 percent and there are chronic shortages of basic necessities like food and fuel. (Reporting by Sue Pleming)

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