The Jesuit Center for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has indicated that the Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) for a family of five in Lusaka for February now stands at K11, 599.12, representing an increase of K798.56 from K10,800.56 in January 2025.
The increase in the total BNNB was attributed to price changes of food items from K4,523.54 to K5, 277.25
JCTR Social and Economic Development Program Officer, Lukwesa Musonda, says there was an increase in the prices of commodities such as fruits which rose to K56.47 per kg from K15.68 per kg and vegetables increased to K701.81 per 40kg bag from K555.35 among other food items.
“Under the essential non-food items, the total cost increased to K6, 321.87 from K6, 277.02,” said Ms. Musonda in a statement issued to RCV News in Lusaka today.
Meanwhile, Ms. Musonda highlighted that it is imperative that strategies addressing the high cost of living are targeting the most vulnerable.
She therefore recommended government to expand food and nutrition assistance programmes to ensure that all citizens have access to the resources necessary for dignified living and to improve wages and salaries that are earned to meet the cost of commodities among other recommendations.
By Margaret Mwanza
