September 2023 Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket Statement: Seasonal Changes Continue to Exert an Influence On the Pricing of Both Food and Non-Food Items

The cost of living for a family of five, as measured by the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) for the month of September in Lusaka stood at K9, 146.06. In comparison to the recorded figure of K8, 850.38 around the same time period in September, 2022. Our research observes that the average price of charcoal reduced from K455/90kg bag to K370/90kg bag. The research also revealed an increase in the prices of food items such as roller mealie meal which increased from K180.83/25kg bag to K217.14/25kg bag. Food items such as vegetables also recorded an increase in prices from K413.88/40 kg to K453.37/40 kg.