December Food Basket Records K440.31 Surge
Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) for a family of five in Lusaka has increased by K440.31 from K10,393.16 in November to K10,833.47 in December, 2024.
According to Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), the rise in the cost of living reflects significant price hikes in essential food and non-food items, compounded by adverse weather conditions and rising production costs.
Centre Social and Economic Development Programme Manager, Edward Musosa
attributed the increase in the cost of living to upward movements in prices of vegetables, 1Kg Kapenta, Mealie Meal, cooking oil, a tray of eggs and bananas, toilet paper, and sanitary towels.
Mr. Musosa however revealed that charcoal recorded a marginal price decline from K900 to K885.60, offering little relief in the face of rising costs elsewhere.
“JCTR has recorded an increase in the cost of living for Lusaka families, as reflected in the Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) for December 2024. The BNNB for a family of five now stands at K10,833.47, up K440.31 from K10,393.16 in November.”
“The December BNNB data highlights significant price increases in essential items including 40Kg vegetables which rose by K188.73, from K537.15 to K725.88, 1Kg Kapenta increased sharply by K144.19, now K493.46, up from K349.27, 50Kg Mealie meal rose by K60.86, now priced at K610.86, up from K550.”
“Other notable food price changes include 16Kg bananas which increased by K62.72 to K341.92, 3.6Ltrs cooking Oil rose by K.71 to K225.66, 3 trays, Eggs went up by K12.87 to K252.81,” Mr. Musosa revealed.
He stated that government’s declaration of the ongoing dry spell for the 2024/2025 season as a disaster underscores the worsening impact of climate change on food production.
“Weather-related challenges, which have already driven up food prices in 2024, are expected to persist and worsen in 2025, further exacerbating food insecurity and cost-of-living pressures,” he noted.
He said the sharp rise in prices of vegetables, mealie meal, and kapenta places a heavy burden on families, especially low-income households, as these are central to the Zambian diet, and their increased costs threaten access to adequate nutrition for the most vulnerable.
“Although some relief was noted in charcoal prices, overall increases in essential food and non-food items continue to strain household budgets, leaving many families struggling to meet their basic needs,” he said.
Mr. Musosa urged Government to expedite irrigation projects and ensure early warning systems are effective in detection of crop pests during this season.
He further stressed the need to address the challenges being faced in the importation of maize by government and private sector.
