THE cost of living for December for a family of five in Lusaka has increased to K9,157.41 from the K9,060.60 recorded in November 2023, representing an increase of K96.81. According to the JCTR’s Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB), the increase in the basket is attributed to the rise in average prices of some commodities such as charcoal and chicken. Meanwhile, the Jesuit Center for Theological Reflection (JCTR) says the year 2023 witnessed significant challenges to the cost of living in Zambia, marked by notable increases in grain and mealie meal prices. In a statement, JCTR Social and Economic Development Programme Manager Muchimba Siamachoka explained that charcoal increased to K391.67/90 kg bag from K350/90kg bag, while food items such as...