Jesuit Centre calls for pro-poor policies to address food price surge

The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has raised concerns over rising food prices amid a drought that has impacted all sectors of Zambia’s economy, affecting the well-being of consumers, especially the vulnerable and poor.

The JCTR’s Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) survey for August recorded an increase to K10,669.33, reflecting a K93.40 rise from July in Lusaka.

This surge was attributed to price hikes in essential food items such as kapenta, which rose to K407.51 from K377.52 per kilogramme (kg), and vegetables, which increased to K641.26 from K554.46 per 40kg.

Lukwesa Musonda, JCTR’s Social and Economic Development Programme Officer, highlighted that food prices had been fluctuating due to seasonal availability and market conditions, affecting staples like kapenta, beans, fruits, cassava flour, and other key dietary components.

“Price shocks on food commodities threaten the nation’s nutritional status as consumers may shift to less nutritious foods or reduce their daily meals,” Musonda stated, adding that the rising costs particularly impact the vulnerable and poor communities.

Musonda emphasized that access to adequate nutrition was crucial for health and well-being, calling on the government to implement pro-poor policies and equitable programmes to mitigate the impact of rising food costs.

She urged protection for low-income consumers from exploitation during this crisis and highlighted the need for sustainable agricultural practices, given the reduced crop production in the 2023/2024 farming season.

Musonda also called for increased awareness of indigenous farming knowledge and stressed the importance of transparency in the implementation of Cash for Work Programmes to minimise corruption and ensure aid reaches those most affected by the rising cost of living.

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