October 2003 Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket: Politics of Improving the Economy Key to Finging Solution to Zambia's Problems, Says JCTR
Abstract
Zambia’s need for a strategic and effective focus on its economy remains at all times highly critical. “This focus on the economy is one that must not be in proclamation only. It should translate into actions that will lead to improved living conditions by the majority of Zambian people through having access to employment, adequate and nutritionally balanced food intake, quality education and health care, employment, etc.” says Muweme Muweme, Coordinator of the Social Conditions Research Project of the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR). The longstanding need for focus on the national economy and improving standards of living among the Zambian people should also be seen as a political issue that every politician should be challenged to address beyond daily rhetorical statements that the Zambian people have been subjected to.
Description
The people of Zambia have faced a lot of challenges, among them the ever rising cost of living that mean always inadequate food intake, lack of access to quality health care and education. The Basic Needs Basket that shows the cost for fundamental survival for a family of six in Lusaka has again revealed the magnitude of the challenges faced by the Zambian people. In the month of September, the Basket has recorded increases, among others, in the prices of meat, dry fish, kapenta, beans and eggs