As the world grapples with economic uncertainty, Zimbabweans are facing a harsh reality. The cost of living in Zimbabwe has skyrocketed, leaving many wondering how to make ends meet. But just how much does it take to get by in Zimbabwe?
A very important question!
According to the World Food Programme (WFP), the food poverty line in Zimbabwe was around ZWL 2,400 – 3,000 (approximately USD 7-10) per person per month, based on 2022 data.
Fast forward to 2025, and the situation has become even more dire.
As of January 2025, the Food Poverty Line (FPL) for one person in Zimbabwe stands at ZWG 861.14, according to the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) .
Zimbabwe’s cost of living crisis worsens: It now takes ZiG 861.14/day just to make ends meet. Discover what this means for families and the challenges they face.
ZIMSTAT. (2025) adds that an individual requires at least this amount to afford the daily minimum energy intake of 2,100 calories.
Understanding the ZiG 861.14 Daily Survival Threshold
However, the reality is that many Zimbabweans are struggling to make ends meet, with the Total Consumption Poverty Line (TCPL) for one person being ZWG 1,255.78, indicating that an individual needs this amount to purchase both non-food and food items without being deemed poor.
According to Zimpricecheck, the instability of the Zimbabwean currency, ZiG, has further exacerbated the economic crisis. The black market rate for ZiG to US dollars has been fluctuating wildly, with the highest informal sector rate reaching 38 ZiG per US dollar and the lowest rate at 35 ZiG per US dollar as of January 24, 2025 .
Moreover, some traders are demanding even higher premiums, with rates surging to around 32 ZiG per dollar.
How Rising Prices Are Impacting Zimbabwean Families
This volatility underscores the lack of confidence in the ZiG currency and the desperation of individuals seeking alternative means of exchange.
The significant disparity between the official exchange rate (1 USD = 26.30 ZiG) and the black market rates highlights the challenges faced by Zimbabwe’s economy.
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The official rate, which is significantly lower than the black market rates, suggests that the government is struggling to control the value of the ZiG currency.
This discrepancy also creates opportunities for arbitrage and corruption, further undermining the economy.
The poverty datum lines, produced by ZIMSTAT, vary by province due to differences in average prices. The quantities of commodities consumed in the minimum needs basket are fixed, but the variations in the value of the basket are explained by changes in average prices .
This highlights the challenges faced by Zimbabweans in affording basic necessities.
The lower-bound poverty line method, used by ZIMSTAT since November 2020, takes into account the sum of the food poverty line and the average amount derived from non-food items of individuals whose total expenditure is equal to the food poverty line.
This approach provides a more comprehensive understanding of poverty in Zimbabwe.
The situation is dire, with many Zimbabweans struggling to afford the minimum requirements. The poverty datum lines serve as a stark reminder of the need for sustainable economic solutions to address the country’s poverty crisis.
