Determinants of Food Waste: An Evaluation in Terms of Socioeconomic Variables

Abstract

Increasing population around the world also increases consumption; so much more is bought than is needed. Food loss and waste are one of the important results of this process. According to the data from the FAO, an average of one-third of the food produced each year is wasted. Food waste is a multidimensional phenomenon. The fact that the multidimensionality of food loss and waste has not been encountered in previous studies constitutes the main motivation of the study. In this context, the relationship between food waste and socioeconomic variables such as population, gross domestic product (GDP), electricity consumption, poverty, human development index (HDI), education, and employment are discussed; The possible causes and effects of food loss and waste are emphasized and current policies implemented to reduce this waste are mentioned. Correlation analysis is performed with the R package program and the relationship between the mentioned socioeconomic variables and food waste is examined using various visualizations. According to the analysis, food waste has a positive correlation with population, GDP, electricity consumption, and poverty; It was found to have a negative correlation with HDI and education. Considering the correlation between food waste and the mentioned variables, it has been concluded that although there are many reasons for food waste, the majority of it is actually caused by excessive and unconscious consumption. Various policy proposals, such as raising awareness of consumption at the household level and creating training for this purpose, are included in the conclusions and recommendations section.