The Jesuit Center for Theological Reflections (JCTR) has urged the government to accelerate its economic diversification agenda.
The center has also urged government to implement strategic programmes that will empower the majority of Zambians in terms of sustainable employment opportunities.
JCTR Social and Economic Development Programme Officer Chanda Chileshe says decent jobs and incomes are an integral element of human dignity and as such cannot be separated from the poverty reduction agenda.
Mr. Chileshe says in order to reduce rural-urban income disparities, it is imperative that the Government embarks on deliberate policies, such as those that focus on reducing the cost of living and promote job creation.
“Specifically, Government should promote economic activities such as agricultural processing and value addition in rural areas. Further, Government should provide an enabling environment and incentives to attract private sector investments in rural areas,” he said.
Meanwhile, the November 2018 JCTR Basic Needs Basket for a family of five living in Lusaka stood at K 5,324.40 which was K7 more than the October BNB which stood at K5,317.95.
“The most significant changes were noted in Tea bags which increased by K5 from K79.5 in October to K84.4 in November per kg. Beef increased by K2 from K34 in October to K36 in November per Kg. Sugar increased by 1 K from K25.42 in October to K26.36 in November per 2kg. Tomatoes increased by K0.88 from K6.4 in October to K7.28 in November. Washing soap increased by K1.5 from K5.25 in October to K6.79 in November. Some reductions were also noted in beans which decreased by K5 from K29 in October to K24 in November. Vegetables reduced by K1 from K7 in October to K6 in November,” Mr. Chileshe said.
He added that the gap between the cost of living and wages is mostly affecting the poor and vulnerable in society who are struggling to afford the basic needs of life.
Mr. Chileshe said it is therefore important that wages and salaries in both the private and public sectors respond to the ever increasing high cost of living.
He is of the view that this will help cushion the vulnerable and poor from the adverse impacts of the high cost of living.

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