The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has released the Basic Needs Basket for the month of May 2009 with an observation that the continued increase in the cost of food is hurting the Zambian economy and undercutting development prospects of the country as increases of food have multidimensional effects on various sectors of Zambian society.

The Basic Needs Basket which measures cost of living for an average family of six in Lusaka and other urban areas of Ndola, Kitwe, Luanshya, Kabwe, Livingstone, Mongu and Kasama has starkly revealed that local food prices on the Zambian market have continued to increase despite what would have been the case of experiencing some general reduction due to post harvest effects.

From costing K788, 200 in the month of April 2009, the cost of basic food items for a family of six in Lusaka added to K815, 850.

JCTR Coordinator of the Social Conditions Programme, Miniva Chibuye, says this is a clear manifestation of a rise in cost of living unaffected yet by seasonality influences.

Ms. Chibuye said this nominal increase was mainly influenced by the cost of tomatoes, onions, green vegetables and dairy products.

She said the Basic Needs Basket research revealed unprecedented increases in Tomatoes and Onions of over 100 percent.

Ms. Chibuye said Tomatoes increased from K4, 700 to K10, 500 per Kg. Onions on the other hand increased from K5, 200 to K10, 200.

She said this could be explai... Read more »