Navigating Challenges: The High Cost of Living in Zambia and the Call for Action

A critical assessment of Zambia’s economic landscape reveals that the estimated national average monthly earnings stood at K5, 342.00, with males earning a higher average of K5, 474.00 compared to females whose average was K5, 052.00. Urban areas reported higher average earnings of K5, 802.00 in contrast to the K4,055.00 average earnings in rural areas. The Living Conditions Monitoring Survey of 2022 produced by Zambia Statistical Agency, underscores the severity of the situation, indicating that 60% of the population is currently entangled in the web of poverty. At the core of this struggle lies the challenge of accessing basic resources such as food, water, shelter, education, health care and transport. High commodity prices, especially for food items, constitute risk factors that undermine the dignity and livelihoods of the people. The deprivation of basic needs violates the principle of human dignity that is inherently bestowed upon human beings by God.