The cost of meeting basic household needs in Lusaka has eased, with the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection’s Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket for a family of five falling by more than six hundred Kwacha in September.
The basket stood at ZMW 11,399.64, down from ZMW 12,000.94 in August, representing a decrease of ZMW 601.30.
JCTR attributes the decline mainly to lower food prices, particularly vegetables, bananas, kapenta, Irish potatoes and roller mealie meal, although some essential non-food items recorded slight increases.
The cost of vegetables alone fell from ZMW 979.70 to ZMW 763.97 for a 40-kilogramme bag, while roller mealie meal declined from ZMW 318.57 to ZMW 287.99.
Across the 16 districts monitored by JCTR, the average cost of the basket stood at ZMW 8,448.34.
Lusaka recorded the highest cost at ZMW 11,399.64, followed by Ndola at ZMW 10,348.63 and Solwezi at ZMW 9,996.91.
Kasama recorded the lowest basket at ZMW 6,281.76, followed by Chinsali at ZMW 6,387.58 and Choma at ZMW 6,793.85.
JCTR says the reduction in food prices was largely driven by lower prices for roller meal, rice and vegetables, although prices continue to vary significantly across districts due to market conditions, seasonal availability, supply and transportation costs.
The Centre is now calling for the 2027 National Budget to sustain this relief by strengthening agricultural productivity, storage, transportation and market systems, particularly for nutritious foods such as vegetables, legumes and livestock products.
JCTR says agriculture and energy remain critical to household welfare under the 2027 to 2029 Medium Term Budget Plan, warning that climate-related risks, including El Niño, could reverse the recent easing in food prices if adequate measures are not taken.
By Rachel Mumba
