Inflation slows but food prices stay stubborn
Wednesday, November 15, 2023 | 2320 Views |
Higher and higher: Vegetables are leading price increases in the inflation calculation
In the 12 months to October, food inflation was measured at 6.5 percent down from 7.7 percent in September, representing the highest price increase for specific goods and services.
According to figures released by Statistics Botswana on Wednesday, the stubborn food prices are being driven largely by vegetables, where average prices rose 11.2% in the 12 months to October. Average prices of fish, fruits, meat and bread are all eight percent higher over the 12 months, underlining the pressure consumers have been under in terms of basic commodities despite the overall drop in inflation.
As cases continue to threaten herds and rural livelihoods, one simple but critical action can make a powerful difference: strictly adhering to FMD regulations, including refraining from slaughtering cloven-hoofed animals.Cloven-hoofed animals, such as cattle, sheep, goats, and pigs, are highly susceptible to FMD. Slaughter, especially during outbreaks or restricted periods, significantly increases the risk of spreading the virus through...