Food loss and waste (FLW) is a critical global issue with significant environmental, economic, and social consequences. Annually, about one-third of food produced for human consumption (around 1.3 billion tons, valued at $1 trillion) is lost or wasted globally. This not only wastes resources but also heightens food insecurity and greenhouse gas emissions.
FLW occurs throughout the supply chain, from production to consumption. In developing regions, food loss predominantly happens post-harvest and during processing due to inadequate infrastructure and technology. Conversely, in developed regions, food waste mainly occurs at the retail and consumer levels due to over-purchasing and improper storage. Addressing FLW requires multifaceted and nuanced approaches that are tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities of different regions. This article explores strategies for reducing FLW across geographic regions to create a more efficient and sustainable food system.
Approaches for reducing FLW
Approaches for reducing FLW can be structured around three key actions – prevent, recover, and recycle – with each involving specific strategies adaptable to regional contexts to maximise impact.
Prevent
This involves reducing FLW generated at source. Key prevention measures may include improving agricultural practices and infrastructure in developing regions through education, management techniques, adoption of innovative pest control technologies and resilient crops to reduce post-harvest losses. Moreover, optimising supply chains with technology, such as AI-powered predictive analytics, helps align supply with demand, reducing overproduction. In addition, establishing strong farmer-retailer relationships ensures produce is harvested and delivered according to market needs. Consumer education campaigns may also be used to promote mindful consumption and practices such as meal planning and proper food storage, significantly reducing household food waste.
Recover
This action entails redirecting surplus food to those in need instead of leaving it to waste. For instance, this can be achieved through robust food donation networks linking retailers, restaurants, and manufacturers with food banks and charities. For this purpose, technology via digital platforms can also be leveraged to connect surplus food sources with recipients, enhancing recovery efficiency.
Recycle
Food waste can be repurposed into valuable products, diverting it from landfills. For example, composting can be used to convert waste into beneficial products such as soil amendments, supporting agriculture and reducing methane emissions. Through education, provision of composting bins, and mandatory government composting programs, household composting can be encouraged. Moreover, food waste can be industrially transformed into bioenergy or bio-based products, offering sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. Food scraps can also be used as animal feed, reducing waste and lowering feed costs.
Regional Considerations
While the strategies discussed above are broadly applicable, their implementation should be tailored to address regional specificities as illustrated below:
Developing regions
In developing regions, addressing FLW requires a focus on improving agricultural practices and infrastructure. Initiatives such as educating farmers on better management techniques and promoting resilient crop varieties can significantly reduce post-harvest losses. Investments in storage facilities and technologies like hermetic bags have shown promising results, with reductions in food loss by as much as 80%. Moreover, enhancing transportation infrastructure, such as roads and cold storage, can minimise losses during transit and storage. For instance, solar-powered mobile cold storage facility initiatives offered by companies such as SokoFresh based in Kenya, have contributed significantly to reducing post-harvest losses of fresh produce in the region.
Under this scheme, farmers and fresh produce buyers can rent the storage space from SokoFresh at a low cost ($0.0015 per kilogram of produce). SokoFresh also buys produce from farmers and connects them directly with large-scale buyers. According to a World Economic Forum report, farmers using the model can earn up to 50% more on their harvest, while buyers receive more and better-quality produce. Such investments and interventions are crucial for mitigating FLW challenges in developing regions.
Developed regions
Developed regions face unique challenges in combating food waste. Efforts here primarily focus on consumer education and behaviour change. For instance, the “Love Food Hate Waste” campaign in the UK has successfully influenced consumer habits, leading to a notable 21% reduction in household food waste over five years. Additionally, technological solutions play a key role, aiding in supply chain optimisation and food recovery.
Furthermore, Apps like “Too Good To Go” in Europe facilitate the purchase of surplus food from restaurants and stores, contributing significantly to waste reduction efforts while providing affordable meals. Initiatives like mandatory composting programs in cities such as San Francisco showcase the potential of recycling initiatives in diverting substantial amounts of waste from landfills. Biogas production and animal feed recycling are also notable examples of sustainable waste management practices common in countries such as Denmark and Japan, respectively.
Transitioning regions
In transitioning regions, FLW demands a nuanced approach that acknowledges evolving economic landscapes. While aspects of both developing and developed economies may be present, strategies should prioritise infrastructure enhancement and technological integration. Investing in cold storage facilities and fostering resilient crop varieties can significantly diminish post-harvest losses. Furthermore, forging strong farmer-retailer relationships and deploying predictive analytics tools can optimise supply chains, aligning production with demand and curbing overstocking. Such tailored interventions hold promise for reducing FLW and advancing sustainable food systems in transitioning regions.
Food loss and food waste: causes and solutions
Addressing FLW demands a comprehensive approach tailored to diverse regional contexts. From developing regions, where improving agricultural infrastructure and practices are paramount, to transitioning regions, requiring a blend of technological integration and infrastructure enhancement, and finally to developed regions, emphasising consumer education and technological solutions, each area requires nuanced strategies. By focusing on prevention, recovery, and recycling strategies, a more efficient and sustainable food system can be created globally.
At Farrelly Mitchell, we are dedicated to supporting stakeholders throughout the food and agribusiness value chain in addressing FLW. Our consultants offer extensive experience in advising food manufacturers and agribusiness on optimising production and distribution processes to reduce FLW. Retailers can benefit from our tailored advice on inventory management strategies to minimise waste. We also support government agencies with policy and regulatory framework development for effective FLW reduction. Multilaterals can leverage our capacity building and partnership facilitation expertise to meet relevant sustainable development goals. Through collaborative efforts, we strive to create a more efficient and sustainable global food system, ensuring that food produced is food consumed, benefiting both people and the planet.
