COVID-19 lockdown impact on Tunisian consumer behaviors and awareness related to food consumption and wastage during celebrations: Case of study “Ramadan month”

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic deeply marked 2020 at different scales: socially, economically, and environmentally. Accordingly, several changes were observed at these different scales. Aims: This study aimed to highlight changes induced by COVID-19 lockdown on consumer behaviors and awareness related to food consumption and wastage during a celebration period, Ramadan in Tunisia. Methodology: An online survey on 317 respondents (71.6% women and 28.4% men) was carried out during the first 15 days of Ramadan season and was focused on demographic data, awareness and attitudes toward food waste, food purchase and consumption habits. Results: Although the COVID-19 has impaired the construction of Iftar menus, 53.9% of respondents have kept preparing, overcooking and consuming traditional meals. Interestingly about 66% claimed decreasing food waste this year. Conclusion: Results of this study have clearly established that time of crisis has led to virtuous consumers’ behaviors and attitudes, in place of consumerist practices, during Ramadan celebration season. Keywords: COVID-19 Lockdown, Ramadan, consumer’s behavior, leftover, food waste.

Spur of the moment: the unintended consequences of excessive food purchases and food waste during Ramadan

“…Excessive food buying during the fasting month led to high levels of food waste. In line with past findings, consumers who overbuy during Ramadan would discard excess food after the celebration (Aktas et al ., 2018; Ben Ismail et al ., 2022; Elshaer et al ., 2021).…”

“…Furthermore, there is a positive relationship between religiosity and excessive buying behaviour. High religiosity can influence individuals who consume excessive food to comply with cultural and religious norms during the holy month, where foods are shared among family members and friends (Ben Ismail et al ., 2022). Notably, this behaviour resulted from the desire to demonstrate religious devotion and fully participate in the celebration.…”

“…These experiences reflect people's understanding, expectations, and actions. The cultural importance given to food influences festival consumption, social norms of warmth and giving, and the desire to participate in public feasting (Baig et al, 2019(Baig et al, , 2022Ben Ismail et al, 2022). Following Stavrova et al (2011), descriptive norms typically exemplify the majority's actions.…”

“…Past works have examined the correlation between food waste, religiousness, and Ramadan conditions. For example, a Tunisian Ramadan food consumption and waste awareness study revealed that the crisis-induced more conscious consumer behaviour during festive seasons (Ben Ismail et al, 2022). Arous et al (2018) underscored household planning and shopping activities as significant food waste predictors, specifically during Ramadan.…”

“…Fasting is one of the five pillars of Islam, during which Muslims are required to practice devoutness, self-reflection, and self-discipline with a renewed focus on spirituality. Consumption has inevitably increased food waste (Ben Ismail et al ., 2022). Past works have examined the correlation between food waste, religiousness, and Ramadan conditions.…”