May 2005 Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket:JCTR Calls for Clarity on Maize Grain Situation
Abstract
According to the JCTR Basic Needs Basket, a monthly survey of cost of living for a family of six, the cost of a 25 Kg bag of breakfast mealie meal has moved upwards in Lusaka from an average of K33,300 during the month of April to K34,600 in May. The total for the basic food items now stands at K504,430, moving from the cost of K482,820 in April. The increase has been contributed to by an upward adjustment in the price of mealie meal, dry fish and kapenta. The price of mixed cut beef has recorded some slight decrease while other items such as green vegetables, tomatoes and onions have remained the same. The total for the overall cost of the Basic Needs Basket, that is the total cost of food and non-food items now stands at K1,352,130 for Lusaka. It has increased by K20,210 from the total cost of K1,331,920 in April. This upward adjustment is coming from increases in food.
Description
In the current situation where Zambia is experiencing some shortfall in maize grain, it is important that government makes further clarification on the actual grain situation, says the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR). The JCTR makes this call in the midst of mixed statements coming from the media, international offices, government,
etc., concerning the maize grain situation.