Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) Digital Repository
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June 2024 BNNB Statement
No full textAs Zambia reaches the midpoint of 2024, the nation faces significant social and economic challenges, with inflation reaching 15.2% in June and food inflation at 16.8%, exacerbated by a drought emergency and fluctuating currency values. The energy sector is strained by prolonged load shedding, and unpredictable fuel prices further impact economic stability. The Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) reported a slight decrease in the Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) for June 2024, mainly due to seasonal availability of certain food items, though overall food costs have risen dramatically since January. Addressing these issues requires policies prioritizing social protection, transparency, community engagement, and effective use of meteorological data. The JCTR emphasizes the importance of upholding human dignity amid these challenges, advocating for equitable resource distribution and efficient public service delivery to support the most vulnerable.Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund, Norwegian Church Aid and Danish Church Aid (JCP Zambia)
October 2024 BNNB Statement
No full textThe Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) published an analysis of the October 2024 Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB), revealing a slight reduction in the cost of living in Lusaka. The BNNB stands at K10,408.84, a decrease of K69.16 from September, attributed to lower fruit prices driven by seasonal mango availability. Despite this reduction, the overall cost of living remains disproportionately high compared to average household income, intensifying financial hardships, especially for families dealing with escalating non-food expenses.
The report highlights ongoing economic challenges exacerbated by prolonged load-shedding, affecting productivity and consumer demand. To mitigate these issues, JCTR commends the government for approving emergency electricity tariffs and urges efficient implementation to stabilise energy supply. The Centre also recommends enhancing social protection programmes with transparent practices to aid vulnerable populations and advocates for a minimum wage review to align with the current economic reality, especially in light of drought impacts.
JCTR emphasises the need for collective action among stakeholders, promoting transparency, inclusive policies, and active citizen engagement to address the cost-of-living crisis and ensure dignified living conditions for all Zambians.The Joint Country Programme (JCP Zambia) of Norwegian Church Aid (NCA) and Danish Church Aid (DCA
Quarter Four Bulletin 2023
No full textThere are articles in this edition which emphasise the importance of the work civil society does, as CSOs engage with government as partners in development and encourage citizens to do the same. Civil society has a significant role to play in helping citizens be more aware of their ability (and duty) to dialogue with the government about such crucial matters as the national budget allocation, the state of local government, and the administration of the Constituency Development Fund.
An important aspect of citizen participation in democratic processes is the representation of marginal voices. The perspectives of women and youth need to be expressed and valued. However, perceptions of women in society may work to diminish their role in governance positions, and could tragically result in their contribution to the democratic conversation being minimized. Additionally, considering that youth constitute over a third of Zambia’s population, the dialogue with youth perspectives remains a crucial ingredient to a healthy and truly representative democracy in Zambia. This Bulletin shares an article which promotes the successful integration of the insights which women and youths can bring to our public debates
Call for EU LEADs Project Participation
No full textThe "Local Empowerment and Development – Civil Society LEADs" project is a collaborative initiative by People in Need (PIN) and the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), funded by the European Commission. This 36-month project seeks to empower and strengthen the resilience of at least 40 Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in Zambia, particularly those working with women, youth, and marginalized groups. The project provides capacity development, financial support, and networking opportunities to help CSOs address challenges, foster change, and advocate for the communities they serve.European Commission (European Union
JCTR Comms Strategy
No full textThe Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR) is set to advance its communications efforts in alignment with its 2024–2027 Strategic Plan. The 2024/2025 Communications Strategy is designed to enhance stakeholder engagement, broaden outreach, and strengthen relationships to drive the Centre's mission of promoting social justice and integral human development in Zambia.
Key objectives of the strategy include raising public awareness of socio-economic issues, fostering stakeholder engagement, and positioning JCTR as a thought leader in social justice and theological reflection. The strategy also emphasizes the importance of advocacy, digital presence, and collaboration with like-minded organisations. Grounded in the principles of transparency, integrity, and inclusivity, and guided by Catholic Social Teachings, the strategy aims to amplify JCTR’s impact and contribute to a just and equitable society
Call for Quarter 1 Bulletin Articles
No full textThe negative impact of climate change on agricultural sector has been seen in the increase in the incidence of hunger due to destruction of crops, reduction in cultivatable land and increased soil erosion. In this regard, there is need to strengthen the legislative framework to respond to environmental degradation that is taking place. Sustainable development requires that any development process should not be done at the expense of the future generation. JCTR in line with the Laudato Si that call for respect to the environment works to advocate for stronger legal frameworks to government and sensitizing communities in caring for mother earth through prudent Environmental management. Noting the importance of Environmental Management and Decentralization, JCTR is calling for articles discussing the ideals, as well as the challenges, of decentralization in environmental management in Zambia
Q1 Bulletin 2024
No full textThe first quarter bulletin of the JCTR focuses on climate change and the need for decentralization in Zambia's response to environmental crises such as drought, deforestation, soil erosion, and land degradation. It emphasizes the importance of local community involvement, the integration of traditional knowledge, and the nurturing of diverse crop varieties. The bulletin advocates for the decentralization of environmental law implementation and suggests bolstering local authorities' support for the Zambia Environmental Management Agency (ZEMA). Additionally, it highlights the necessity of incorporating environmental management education at all schooling levels and discusses the constitutional principles and Catholic perspectives underpinning environmental protection. The bulletin concludes by emphasizing community participation and long-term policy approaches over short-term interventions
January 2024 Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket Statement
No full textBased on the Church’s Social Teaching (CST) which provides the basis of our foundational values at JCTR such as social justice, preferential option for the poor and the common good, it becomes evident that the issue of escalating living costs transcends mere numbers. The suffering caused by the rising cost of living goes to the core of an individual’s sense of self-worth and questions our commitment as a nation to improving the livelihoods of the poor as spelt out in the 8th National Development Plan. We have witnessed how moments of crisis like Coronavirus (COVID-19) and the cholera epidemic exacerbate pre-existing inequalities, pushing already struggling communities to a far worse position. The significance of prices for goods cannot be overstated, as they directly affect families' access to basic essentials. These families often find themselves grappling with difficult choices, having to decide between putting food on their tables and addressing other urgent necessities. This predicament creates hardship and undermines the dignity of individuals, as they are denied their right to lead fulfilling lives that honour their value and that enable them to thrive.Based on the JCTR’s Basic Needs and Nutrition Basket (BNNB) survey for a family of five, there has been an increase in the cost of living for households in Lusaka. The BNNB now stands at K9,555.53, which represents a rise of K398.12 compared to the month of December 2023, which stood at K9,157.41. These significant increases were observed in both food prices and non-food categories, exacerbating the challenges faced by individuals and families, especially in the low- income category. The upward movement in the basket is driven by commodities such as charcoal, whose price increased from K391.67/90 kg bag to K461.67/90 kg bag on account of seasonality. Among food items, the price of kapenta has risen to K308.25 per 1kg, from K245.44 per 1kg. Similarly, the cost of cooking oil has increased from K115.00 for a 2.5 litre container to K125.42 for the same quantity. Additionally, over the last four months, there has been a sustained increase in the prices of commodities like potatoes, chicken, and vegetables. Directly tied to a specific production process, this has been marked by either higher cost of imported inputs for items like chicken feed, exacerbated by increasing transportation expenses as well as driven by increased fuel prices. However, there is a silver lining as the average prices of bananas have decreased from K16.28/kg to K15.16/kg.Scottish Catholic International Aid Fund and Norwegian Church Aid-Danish Church Aid Alliance - JCP Zambi
Impact of El Niño on Zambia
No full textIn this article by the Jesuit Centre for Theological Reflection (JCTR), readers are presented with a comprehensive examination of the impact of El Niño on agriculture in Zambia. The article begins by outlining the characteristics of El Niño and its manifestation as a challenging dry spell in the country. It then delves into the far-reaching consequences of reduced rainfall on agriculture, emphasizing its significance as the backbone of Zambia's economy. Through an exploration of the vulnerabilities faced by smallholder farmers, the article underscores the necessity for proactive measures to address these challenges. Suggestions for interventions, including the adoption of drought-resistant crop varieties and water conservation techniques, are presented as essential strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of El Niño and ensure the resilience and prosperity of Zambia's agricultural sector.As Zambia grapples with the challenges brought about by the formidable weather phenomenon, El Niño, characterized by warm ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific, the nation faces the daunting reality of a prolonged dry spell. This article delves into the intricate complexities of El Niño's repercussions on Zambia, with a focus on its profound implications for agriculture, a cornerstone of the country's economy. Through an analysis of the multifaceted effects on crop yields, food security, and livelihoods, we explore the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate and adapt to the challenges posed by reduced rainfall. We highlight the vulnerabilities faced by smallholder farmers and advocate for interventions such as drought-resistant crop varieties, water conservation techniques, and access to alternative livelihood options to safeguard the resilience and prosperity of the Zambian populace
Parliamentary Submission on Implementation of CDF
No full textAccording to the government’s updated National Decentralisation Policy, Zambia’s socio-economic transformation agenda is to be driven by citizen and community participation. This is in line with Catholic Social Teaching and especially the principle of subsidiarity. As Pope John 23 said in his encyclical, Mater et Magistra, the individual must have the primary responsibility of developing their lives and their families. The role of the State is to augment this individual freedom, to support it, and to protect personal rights. Thus, individual citizens and the State need to co-operate in the development of the economy.Decentralised governance and the principle of subsidiarity was given much needed support when the government expanded the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) in 2022. The CDF went from K1.6 million per constituency to K25.7 million for the 2022 budget period. For the 2023 budget period, the government further increased the CDF to K28.3 million per constituency and for the 2024 budget period, another increase was proposed. The CDF allocation per constituency now lies at K30.6 million.
With such a boost to the CDF and the potential for local development that such a provision of funding brings with it, there are understandably concerns. This finance will only help local development if the funding reaches its intended beneficiaries. This calls for an environment that is free from corruption. It also calls for an administration of this fund and its utilisation that is effective.National Democratic Institute, National Endowment for Democracy, ActionAid Internationa