December 2023 Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket Statement: A Year-End Reflection on the Cost of Living in 2023
Abstract
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 December in Lusaka stood at K9, 157.41. This is notably higher than the recorded figure of K8, 982.82 in December 2022 and an increase from K9, 060.60 in November 2023 by K96.81. The increase in the basket was attributed to increases in the average prices of some commodities such as charcoal which increased to K391.67/90 kg bag from K350/90kg bag while food items such as chicken increased to K122.90/2kg from K109.29/2kg. The research also revealed a decrease in the average prices of fruits such as mangoes reduced to K10.79/kg from K14.95/kg. On the other hand, average national incomes continued to be below the cost of living at K5, 342 and even lower for non-unionized workers, informal laborers, those based in rural areas, and female counterparts.
Description
The year 2023 witnessed significant challenges to the cost of living in Zambia, marked by notable increases in grain and mealie meal prices. The price of maize grain experienced a significant increase, reaching K280 for a 50kg bag, attributed to measures aimed at compensating farmers. Similarly, mealie meal prices reached a record high with a 25kg bag of roller meal trading at K229. These developments, involving inflationary pressures, fluctuations in fuel prices, variations in utility costs, and instability in exchange rates, have led to uncertainties in commodity prices and impacts on transportation and production costs. This raised concerns, particularly among vulnerable and marginalized communities. The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection, through its Fighting Inequality project, remains committed to advocating for decent living standards by employing evidence-based research anchored on the Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket.