The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflections (JCTR) has noted that Policy inconsistencies have the potential to damage the economy and affect lives of the poor.
JCTR Social & Economic Development Programme Officer Chanda Chileshe has cited the Export of Millie Meal which was banned.
Mr. Chileshe has also cited the recent proposal by ZESCO to increase the electricity retail tariffs.
He says policy makers in the country need to heed to the concerns of the public as they plan on matters that affect the country’s economy.
Mr. Chileshe says this in the Basic Needs Basket (BNB) Publication for the month of April 2019.
According to the publication, the BNB for a family of five in Lusaka reduced from five thousand five hundred and forty-three Kwacha in March 2019, to five thousand five hundred and nineteen Kwacha in April, a decrease of K24.
Mr. Chileshe has attributed the reduction to reduced prices of charcoal by K14 going from K159 in March to K145 in April per 90 Kg.
He says other reductions were recorded in the price of dark green vegetables which reduced by K 3 from K13 in March to K10 in April per Kg.
Mr. Chileshe however notes that the mealie meal price component of the basket has remained high
He explains that “a significant increase was recorded in the price of tomatoes which increased by K9 from K6 in March to K15 in April per 90kg. Other increases were recorded in the price of Mealie meal which increased by K3 from K100 in March to K103 in April for a 25 kg. The price of onion increased by K3 from K12 in March to K15 in April.”
He has attributed the increase in the prices of tomatoes and onion to reduced supply of the commodities as a result of season factors.
Mr. Chileshe has re-emphasised the need for government to take agriculture diversification seriously as it may reduce dependence on one crop and contribute to stabilizing the cost of living in the country.