February 2001 Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket: JCTR Calls for Sharper Focus on Development Issues
Abstract
According to the Economic and Social Development Project, a sharper focus on integral development must not be lost. On one hand, Zambia’s human development indicators on almost all accounts, (education, life expectancy, literacy, etc.), are generally very low with no signs of improving. On the other hand, trends in cost of living show a constant increase. The JCTR monthly food basket, a cost-of-living survey for a family of six in Lusaka, shows an
increase of K8,210 from January’s figure of K319,870 to K328,080 for the month of February. (This increase is part of a constant pattern over the past year).
Description
This indeed is a substantial rise that will impact negatively on the wellbeing of the people whose incomes have remained stagnant. It is now a trend for the country to experience price. increases in food and other basic necessities for human survival every month. ‘’There must be national commitment to improve people’s wellbeing if the country can begin to experience a wind of hope towards poverty alleviation and ultimately its eradication,’’ says Muweme.