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BASKET OF NEEDS SHOWS MIXED PRICE BEHAVIOUR OF COMMODITIES: MORE PRAGMATISM IN DEVELOPMENT NEEDED As we come close to the end of the year 2006, the price of food and essential non-food items has shown a mixed picture of increase and decline. This assessment is based on the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) monthly Basic Needs Basket, an effort by the JCTR to measure the cost of living for a family of six in Lusaka, Livingstone, Kabwe, Ndola, Luanshya and Kitwe. According to the latest Basic Needs Basket survey in Lusaka, there has been an overall increase in the cost of food from K463,450 in October to K470,200 in November. This is an increase of K6,750. Ndola too recorded some increase from K546,090 in October to K554,000 in November. In Livingstone, there was an upward shift from K475,500 to K489,800. In Lusaka, the increase is coming from an upward adjustment of prices in mealie meal, dry fish, meat, vegetables, including tomatoes, onions and charcoal. In the case of dry fish, green vegetables, tomatoes and onions; the increase could be explained in terms of decreased supplies on the market. We have seen reduced availability of fish in some markets even before the recently announced government annual fish ban takes effect. For green vegetables, tomatoes, and onions, part of the explanation lies in the usual trend of increases in prices of these items during the rainy season. The price of charcoal, which has increased from an average of K40,000 in the month of October to the November average of K43,000, also behaves similar to green vegetables, tomatoes and onions during this time of the year. However, there has also been some decline in prices of kapenta, cooking oil, wash soap and fresh milk, while the prices for beans, eggs, bread and sugar have remained the same as in October. Of course these marginal increases in select food and non-food items raise anxious moments for times ahead, especially in a context where some places have so far received below normal rainfall. As we examine the ability of people, especially the poor, to relate to basic needs through the simple but useful tool of the Basic Needs Basket, we are yet reminded that people’s effective participation at different levels -- family, local or national -- is predicated to a large extent on their existing situations of food security. That is why requirements of food must be fulfilled at all times to free the human resources necessary to effectively pursue other areas necessary for deepening and promoting development. The current rain pattern only goes to reinforce the serious need for Zambia to urgently look at irrigation as a requirement for effective food production. But what is even more important in order to fight poverty in the rural areas is to focus the irrigation investments to the benefit of small scale farmers and create markets that are just rather than exploitative. Moreover, although it is difficult for households to store enough food during times of plenty because of serious competing needs of education, health, personal care, etc., it is critical important that households are encouraged. This need has become even more apparent with the threat of inadequate rain in some places. The JCTR believes that with the huge debt burden lifted off Zambia’s shoulders, coupled with the rearrangements in the mode of development cooperation, Zambia stands in a test-case situation. Our efforts must ultimately aim to enable people to meet their basic needs. We look forward to a 2007 national budget that will truly reflect pragmatism in development efforts and bring about serious investments in irrigation (with appropriate farming methods), health (availability of drugs and personnel), education (infrastructure development and other resources), social protection, etc. |
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