THE Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) has called on well off Zambians to extend a helping hand to the poor as the high cost of living continues to affect vulnerable households despite a slight reduction in the Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) for January 2025.
According to JCTR’s BNNB for January 2025, a family of five in Lusaka now needs 10,800 to meet their basic needs, adding that this is a small decrease of K32.90 from December 2024.
The drop in the cost of living was mainly due to the reduced prices of kapenta which reduced from K493 to K417 per kg and vegetables from K725 to K555 per 40kg. 
However, other essential items became more expensive as the price of onions went up from K17 to K33.56 per kg while other fruits increased from K9 to K15.68 per kg and a 90kg bag of charcoal rose from K442.80 to K469.
JCTR social and economic development programme representative Lukwesa Musonda, pointed out that the slight drop in prices does not make a big difference because the cost of living remains high.
In December 2024 alone, there was a sharp rise of K440.31, making life even harder for families.
Musonda said families are still dealing with high food prices, the effects of drought, expensive fuel and an energy crisis which have all made it difficult for people to afford basic needs.
To ease the burden on struggling families, JCTR called on government to take stronger action by improving agricultural systems to help small scale farmers grow more food and make a better living.
The Centre advised that changing fuel prices every three months instead of every month so that businesses and households can plan better.
JCTR warned that if no action is taken, poverty, food insecurity and inequality will continue to rise.
The organisation also reminded government of its responsibility to protect human dignity and ensure that all citizens have access to basic needs.
“The realisation of social and economic transformation for improved livelihoods as prescribed in the Eighth National Development Plan will require stronger actions towards initiatives that result in improved income levels, decent housing and access to essential services,” stated Musonda.
