July 2000 Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket: JCTR Says High Cost of Living Manifest Worsening Social Crisis and Challenges CG Meetings
Abstract
The 16 July statement by the Zambia Episcopal Conference, as well as the recent report by the Zambia Social Watch Coalition, highlights the social crisis currently being experienced by the country. This is one issue that needs to be taken very seriously by the government, especially during the up-coming Consultative Group meetings, according to the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR). The social crisis is manifested in the increasing inability on the part of the majority of Zambians to have access to proper health services, education, clean. water, shelter and, most importantly, adequately balanced diets. According to Muweme Muweme, coordinator of JCTR’s Economic and Social Development Research Project, the most recent food basket survey reveals an upward trend in prices.
Description
According to Muweme, the increase reflects the continued fall in the value of the Kwacha in relation to foreign currencies. From the beginning of May to the end of June, the Kwacha fell by 5.42%, from K2,900/dollar to K3,110. Barclay’s Bank estimates the fall will continue through the end of July, to K 3200. This depreciation has been pushing the prices of most goods upwards, with the exception of maize, which has declined because of a relatively higher supply at this time of the year.