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Exploring the Global Scientific Literature on Food Waste and Loss

Author

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  • Selma Mokrane

    (UNESCO Chair “Environment, Resources and Sustainable Development”, Department of Science and Technology, Parthenope University of Naples, Isola C4, 80143 Naples, Italy)

  • Elvira Buonocore

    (UNESCO Chair “Environment, Resources and Sustainable Development”, Department of Science and Technology, Parthenope University of Naples, Isola C4, 80143 Naples, Italy)

  • Roberto Capone

    (International Center for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM), Mediterranean Agronomic Institute of Bari, via Ceglie 9, 70010 Bari, Italy)

  • Pier Paolo Franzese

    (UNESCO Chair “Environment, Resources and Sustainable Development”, Department of Science and Technology, Parthenope University of Naples, Isola C4, 80143 Naples, Italy)

Abstract

The growing global population and modern dietary patterns are the main drivers of current unsustainable food systems, with one of the most serious consequences being the growing issue of food waste and loss (FWL). FWL is a global problem since one-third of the global food produced for human consumption is wasted or lost yearly. FWL occurs throughout the food supply chain. In this study, the scientific literature on FWL was explored. Social network analysis and bibliometrics were integrated to explore the issue of food waste in relation to environmental impact and food security. The generated network maps displayed the relationships among keywords, authors, and countries dealing with the issue of food waste, highlighting the exponential growth of the studies focusing on food waste since 2010. The results allowed for the understanding of the evolution of food waste scientific research, identifying the most important topics and research paths. In addition, the results also showed a clear research shift from an older approach to food waste, based on the downstream notion of waste, to a more modern approach, based on sustainability, food security, consumer behavior, and the circular economy, addressing the problem of food waste by preventing it with upstream actions and policies. Considering the remarkable ethical, environmental, social, and economic implications of FWL, the outcomes of this study display the need for developing interdisciplinary approaches and methodologies capable of providing a comprehensive understanding of the FWL issue.

Suggested Citation

  • Selma Mokrane & Elvira Buonocore & Roberto Capone & Pier Paolo Franzese, 2023. "Exploring the Global Scientific Literature on Food Waste and Loss," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(6), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:6:p:4757-:d:1090396
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Mohamad G. Abiad & Lokman I. Meho, 2018. "Food loss and food waste research in the Arab world: a systematic review," Food Security: The Science, Sociology and Economics of Food Production and Access to Food, Springer;The International Society for Plant Pathology, vol. 10(2), pages 311-322, April.
    2. Abbade, Eduardo Botti, 2020. "Estimating the nutritional loss and the feeding potential derived from food losses worldwide," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 134(C).
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    2. Marian Gil & Mariusz Rudy & Paulina Duma-Kocan & Renata Stanisławczyk & Anna Krajewska & Dariusz Dziki & Waleed H. Hassoon, 2024. "Sustainability of Alternatives to Animal Protein Sources, a Comprehensive Review," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(17), pages 1-27, September.
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