• This shows a decline of K301.65 Ngwee from the April basket which was K8, 743.
• Prices of fruits such as apples, bananas and oranges have shown a further decline likely owing to increased availability as they are in season.
• The movement in the price of vegetables could however be attributed to market behaviour following the price increase that was noted in April.

Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) reveals the cost of living for a family of five in Lusaka as measured by the JCTR Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket for the month of May has reduced to K8, 442.24.

JCTR Social and Economic Programme Manager Chama Mundia said “this shows a decline of K301.65 Ngwee from the April basket which was K8, 743.”

Ms. Mundia explained the fall in the basket was attributed to price movements mainly from the food items.
She said the price of vegetables reduced by K93.06 for 40kg moving from K552.43 to K459.37, 16kg of bananas went down by K86.15, from K283.49 to K197.34, the price of 14kg of other fruits moved from K503.89 to K422.59, a decline of K81.3, 4kg of Irish potatoes went down by K27.9 from K138.25 to K113.36, 2kg of soya pieces went down by K25 moving from K138.25 to K113.36, the price of 25kg bags of Mealie meal reduced by K19.33 from K203.33 to K184.00 and 2kg of beef reduced by K14.46 from K145.71 to 131.25.

According to Ms. Mundia, “From the non-food but essential items, the price of 2 90kg bags of charcoal reduced by K44 moving from K684.80 to K640.80. On the other hand, price increases were observed in the value of 1 kg Kapenta which increased by K40.09 from K250.90 to K290.99, pounded groundnut moved up by K28.96 from K45.53 to K74.49 for a kg, the price of 3kg beans rose by K17.61 from K121.43 to K139.04, 6kg of cassava flour increased by K15.66 from K80.12 to K95.78, the value of 4kg of rice went up by K13.83 moving from K88.96 to K102.79 and the price of 5kg of chicken increases by K10.72 moving to K255.71 from K244.99.”

Ms. Mundia further stated that, prices of fruits such as apples, bananas and oranges have shown a further decline likely owing to increased availability as they are in season.

She added that the movement in the price of vegetables could however be attributed to market behavior following the price increase that was noted in April.

“The price increase likely encouraged the farmers to grow more vegetables despite weather challenges.”

“It is nonetheless, JCTR’s wish that such reductions and even more could be registered towards enhanced access for citizens to basic essential items such as food,” she noted.