There are fears that more Malawians will fall into the poverty trap as the cost of living continues to rocket.
Recent figures released by the Centre for Social Concern (CfSC) indicate that the cost-of-living for a family of six increased by 0.7 percent to K519, 763 from K516, 377 in July.
Among other things the report notes that the price for maize, the country’s staple food, has seen a significant rise in all major cities.
For example, in Lilongwe, the prices jumped to K42, 500 from K39, 375 per 50 Kilogramme (kg) bag in July.
Similar increases were observed in Zomba, Blantyre, and Karonga, with prices rising by up to 10 percent in some areas, a development that has been attributed to poor harvests and increased demand of the commodity.
The report further notes that charcoal, cooking oil and bread prices have risen sharply in the month under review.
The Center has since asked the government to consider introducing subsidies on staple food.
“Expanding programmes such as cash transfers and food aid to reach more vulnerable populations could provide immediate relief to those most affected by the rising cost of living,” the report reads.
In a recent interview, President of the Economics Association of Malawi Bertha Chikadza said Malawi’s economic outlook remains challenging.
Last month the government through the Department of Disaster Management Affairs commenced distribution of free maize to people affected by hunger in the country, a development that is expected to reduce pressure on prices of the staple food.
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