June 2012 Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket: Socially just Development Demands Decent Jobs for all, Says JCTR
Abstract
According to Ms Lumba, “The JCTR Basic Needs Basket gives an indication of the cost of living and consequently what it takes for a family of 5 to meet basic needs to lead a dignified life. The BNB is also indicative of the fact that in an economic set up where the majority of food and non-food items require money in order to access them, it is imperative that individuals are employed on a sustainable basis with jobs that offer adequate income and
good work conditions. Therefore Government needs to continue and sustain efforts at realizing the right to employment for all Zambians”. The May 2012, BNB analysis shows that the cost of food items stands at K776,840 while non-food items are at K2,130,700. A notable change in the basket in recent times includes a reduction in the cost of mealie meal, a major source of household food supply in many homes. Other commodities such as charcoal have been affected by seasonal fluctuations in price although the basket has remained consistent at approximately K2.9 m for Lusaka.
Description
The JCTR recognizes that it is imperative that long lasting solutions are found to the challenge of unemployment through locally driven research, guided by national statistics and therefore expectant, that Government targets for job creation are realised through progressive and concerted efforts. The JCTR conducts quarterly qualitative research into living conditions and quality of life to compliment the monthly Basic Needs Basket. JCTR advocates that positive linkages are essential to understanding, analyzing and interpreting cost of living, minimum wages, and living wage and continues to advocate for socially just development through research into formal job creation.