For Immediate Release

CSPR CALLS FOR MORE COMMITMENT TOWARDS POVERTY ERADICATION IN ZAMBIA

The Civil Society for Poverty Reduction notes with concern the continued high levels of poverty and inequality in the country and calls for more commitment towards poverty eradication. In line with the 7^thNational Development Plan, accelerating efforts towards poverty reduction calls for more investment into interventions that will move citizens out of poverty but also allow them to participate on all spheres of development.

Zambia’s national Poverty headcount ratio stands at 54%, which is overwhelmingly a rural phenomenon recording ratios as high as 76%. In addition to this, the gap between rich and poor is growing ever wider at 0.69 (Gini Coefficient) and is undermining poverty eradication efforts. Successive governments have failed to adequately tackle this challenge despite the positive economic growth that the country had enjoyed. With the current economic downturn despite the recent positive trend, the poor are faced with even a bigger straggle for survival in that the country has no strong social safety nets to mitigate the effects of high cost of leaving and unemployment.

Poverty is the most profound challenge that Zambia faces today. It is a social crisis with the majority of people denied a minimum decent living standard. The latest consumer price index shows that it is becoming more and more difficult for the majority to meet basic needs, because food costs have been rising while wages remain static and too far below the food cost. The gravity of the situation is such that more and more lives are being lost due to hunger, sickness and disease.

We also note that the country continues to be exploited by Multinational Corporations undermining its efforts to enhance domestic resource mobilisation for the provision of much needed public services. The country continues to lose billions of dollars through tax dodging forcing the country to turn to debt and ODA. Closing tax loopholes accompanied with prudent public financial management would ensure sufficient investment for poverty eradication in line with the 7^thNDP and SDGs for the achievement of the Vision 2030.

Further to this, our analysis of actual expenditure in previous fiscal years reveals bottlenecks for social sector budgets, with actual expenditure significantly below the allocated budget. We further call for government to strengthen pro-poor programs that support broad-based employment creation, which among others include the promotion of SMEs and citizen participation in the control and ownership of national assets.

Lastly we call on all Zambians to stand in unity and solidarity with the poor by providing practical pro-poor policy alternatives but also meeting actual needs were possible. The best way to help someone in need is to stand with them in their place of need. In this regard, there is need to ensure policies are drawn from the point of need and from within the need. In CSPRs experience, this is the recipe for true sustainable development and ensure “no one is left behind”, it is possible to eradicate poverty in Zambia and it starts with everyone playing their role.

Kryticous Patrick Nshindano

Executive Director.

For further information contact: email, Kryticous.nshindano@csprzambia.org