Poverty Datum Line shoots By 4.4

Zimbabwes poverty datum line (PDL) for a family of five increased by 4.4 per cent to $18 750 in October escalating fears of worsening poverty as the cost of living continue to go up.

Latest data released by the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (Zimstat) has revealed.

The PDL was measured at Z$17, 957 in September, The family needed, Z$17,244 in August and Z$15,573 in July.

In January, this same size family needed Z$4,492 to stay just above the poverty line.

Zimstat said, “This means that an average household required that much to purchase both food and non-food items for them not to be deemed poor.”

“This represents an increase of 4.4 percent when compared to the September 2020 figure of $17 956.87.”

The official data provider added that one person required $1 521 for food alone and $3 750 for food and other essential needs.

Such an increase demonstrates how difficult life is becoming for Zimbabweans whom on average earn ZWL$11 350.

While most goods and services are being priced in USD.