Food waste continues to be a pressing issue that affects many nations across the globe. Despite the rising cost of living, many South Africans continue to throw away consumable foods. This article offers some insight into this problem.
Producers and manufacturers already face many daily hurdles in order to get consumable products onto the market shelves. As a nation, everybody is well aware that they operate within a water-scarce country where food security is under constant threat due to increased extreme weather events related to global warming.
Currently many South African households have no access to food. Although most corporations have implemented food safety and quality management measures, food waste challenges continue to plague all sectors within the food supply chain. This multi-faceted issue presents a unique challenge that demands urgent action from farmers and consumers.
Before looking at measures to curb food waste, people must first be sure they understand the interplay between hunger and food waste in their communities. For the purposes of this article, it should be noted that ‘food waste’ is not synonymous to ‘food loss’. Food waste refers to discarded food products, whereas food loss refers to the decrease in weight and/or quality of food that was originally intended for human consumption.
A crisis in South Africa
South Africa grapples with a significant hunger crisis. Dr Siphiwe Dlamini, a lecturer at the University of the Witwatersrand, shared statistics from a study that was conducted in 2021. The study concluded that more than 20% of South African households did not have sustainable access to food resources. This meant that the members of one in every five South African households went to bed with an empty stomach (University of the Witwatersrand, 2023).
This hunger crisis is exacerbated by socio-economic factors such as high unemployment rates and inadequate social welfare systems. The World Bank estimates that over 30% of South Africans live below the poverty line, with many struggling to afford basic necessities like food (World Bank, 2024). In this context, the issue of food waste becomes not just a matter of environmental and economic concern, but also poses a significant social challenge.
THE FOOD WASTE CONUNDRUM
Available food waste statistics for South Africa are quite alarming. South African experts estimate that a whopping 10 million tons of food waste is discarded annually (AgriSA, 2024). This wastage occurs at various stages of the food supply chain – from production and processing to distribution and consumption.
The economic impact of food waste is staggering. Food waste in South Africa amounts to approximately R60 billion in losses annually (WWF, 2017). This figure represents not only a loss of potential revenue but also a waste of natural resources, such as water and electricity used in the food production process.
INTERPLAY BETWEEN HUNGER AND FOOD WASTE
The link between hunger and food waste is multifaceted within the South African context. On one hand, food waste represents a missed opportunity to alleviate hunger. Surplus food that goes to waste could be redirected to those in need, helping to address the nutritional deficits faced by the homeless and many poor households.
On the other hand, the inefficient use of resources in food production drives waste generation and contributes to higher food prices, which disproportionately affects low-income households.
Make a difference
PRODUCERS CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Producers are in the position to make a significant impact in mitigating food waste. Several practices can help reduce waste at the agricultural level:
- Improved harvesting techniques: Adopting new technologies and precision techniques that enhance harvesting efficiency can reduce post-harvest losses.
- Investment in infrastructure: Building and maintaining proper storage facilities is vital. Many South African farmers lack access to adequate storage, which is leading to significant losses. In addition, better transportation logistics can extend the shelf life of produce and reduce spoilage.
- Collaboration with local non-government organisations (NGOs): Farmers can partner with local charities to donate surplus produce that may not meet retail standards but are still nutritious and safe for human consumption.
- Education and training: Providing farm workers with education and resources about the best practices for reducing food waste is essential.
HOW CONSUMERS CAN DO IT
Consumers can also play a pivotal role in reducing food waste. Several strategies can be adopted at individual and household level:
- Mindful shopping: Planning meals and making shopping lists can prevent impulse purchases and reduce the likelihood of buying more food than necessary. Understanding portion sizes and purchasing only what is needed helps to minimise excess.
- Proper food storage: Educating oneself about proper food storage techniques can significantly extend the life of perishable items. Utilising airtight containers, keeping refrigeration units at the correct temperature and understanding expiration dates are crucial steps in reducing waste.
- Creative use of leftovers: Being inventive with leftovers and repurposing food scraps can reduce waste. For example, stale bread can be turned into croutons.
- Community initiatives: Participating in or supporting community-based programmes that focus on food recovery and redistribution can make a difference. Local charities are valuable resources for redistributing surplus food. In most cases, local churches will also be open to food donations.
Summary
The hunger crisis and food waste problem in South Africa are interconnected challenges that require a multi-faceted approach. By understanding the relationship between these issues and implementing practical solutions, both producers and consumers can contribute to a more sustainable and equitable food system. Collaboration from farm to fork is essential in bridging the gap between surplus and scarcity, ultimately leading to a future where food security is assured and waste is minimised.
References
AgriSA, 2024. South Africa’s food waste crisis: Inspiring collective action for a sustainable tomorrow. https://agrisa.org.za/agrisa-disaster-relief-foundation/south-africas-food-waste-crisis-inspiring-collective-action-for-a-sustainable-tomorrow [17 September 2024]
University of the Witwatersrand, 2023. 1 in 5 South African households begs for food – the link between food insecurity and mental health. https://www.wits.ac.za/news/latest-news/opinion/2023/2023-04/1-in-5-south-african-households-begs-for-food–the-link-between-food-insecurity-and-mental-health.html [17 September 2024]
World Bank, 2024. The World Bank in South Africa. https://www.worldbank.org/en/country/southafrica/overview [15 September 2024].
WWF, 2017. Food loss and waste: Facts and futures. https://wwfafrica.awsassets.panda.org/downloads/WWF_Food_Loss_and_Waste_WEB.pdf [17 September 2024]
Monique van der Linde, Environmental officer, Safety, Health and Environment division
