Evidence-based research on food loss and waste in Gauteng Province, South Africa lessons for the stakeholder
Moloto, MMatlou Alfred
Moloto, MMatlou Alfred
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Abstract
The research study is based on food loss and waste (FLW). The investigation has been conducted by addressing distribution centres, retails, municipalities and relevant government departments. A qualitative research method approach was adopted to examine and answer the following objectives: 1) To identify stakeholders involved in FLW reductions and plans used to manage it; 2) Determine challenges faced by stakeholders on FLW reduction and policy formulation; 3) To develop FLW management strategy within Gauteng Province to create wealth while improving public health. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The findings revealed that retailers recognize the importance of minimizing food waste and have measures in place to address and tackle the problem of FLW. In general, there is a strong desire to address the issue of food loss and waste. Lots of wastes were experienced by the farmers at distribution centres where rejection of the products most occurred due to quality standard not meeting the requirement. Other findings revealed there was lack of government involvement in addressing food waste and only private sectors were working on finding solutions. It is important for coordination amongst the stakeholders to prevent food wastage and to have a better grasp of waste reduction in order to successfully handle and manage the wide range of FLW challenges. These findings emphasise the need to consider taking more attention to FLW and waste and engage all food supply chain actors in formulating a food waste reduction strategy. These findings highlight the importance of giving more attention to FLW and waste, as well as involving all food supply chain participants in developing a food waste reduction strategy.
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Submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree, Master of Agricultural Science in the Department of Crop Science, Faculty of Sciences at the Tshwane University of Technology
Date
2022-09-01
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Tshwane University of Technology
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Keywords
Strategies, Policies, Food loss and waste, Retail stores, Management