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Household Food Waste in Morocco: An Exploratory Survey in the Province of Kenitra

Author

Listed:
  • Chaimaa Belfakira

    (Department Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University Ibn Tofail, B.P. 133, Kenitra 14000, Morocco)

  • Zakia Hindi

    (Department Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University Ibn Tofail, B.P. 133, Kenitra 14000, Morocco)

  • Amina Lafram

    (Department Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University Ibn Tofail, B.P. 133, Kenitra 14000, Morocco)

  • Samir Bikri

    (Department Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University Ibn Tofail, B.P. 133, Kenitra 14000, Morocco)

  • Asmaa Benayad

    (Department Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University Ibn Tofail, B.P. 133, Kenitra 14000, Morocco)

  • Hamid El Bilali

    (International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM-Bari), Via Ceglie 9, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy)

  • Susanne Gjedsted Bügel

    (Department of Nutrition, Exercise and Sports, University of Copenhagen, 1958 Frederiksberg, Denmark)

  • Dominika Średnicka-Tober

    (Department of Functional and Organic Food, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences, 159c Nowoursynowska Str., 02-776 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Patrizia Pugliese

    (International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM-Bari), Via Ceglie 9, Valenzano, 70010 Bari, Italy)

  • Carola Strassner

    (Department of Food–Nutrition–Facilities, FH Münster University of Applied Sciences, 48149 Münster, Germany)

  • Laura Rossi

    (Council for Agricultural Research and Economics—Research Centre for Food and Nutrition (CREA—Food and Nutrition), 00178 Rome, Italy)

  • Lilliana Stefanovic

    (Section of Organic Food Quality, Faculty of Organic Agricultural Sciences, University of Kassel, 37213 Witzenhausen, Germany)

  • Youssef Aboussaleh

    (Department Life Sciences, Faculty of Sciences, University Ibn Tofail, B.P. 133, Kenitra 14000, Morocco)

Abstract

The data from the United Nations Food Waste Index 2021 suggest that food losses and waste represent a pressing challenge, even in developing countries. This study investigates food waste in Morocco, specifically focusing on Kenitra province (northwestern Morocco). It quantifies the food waste types and quantities in Kenitra households and explores the underlying causes. Conducted in 2022, the research involved 442 respondents aged 18 and above, utilizing both face-to-face and online surveys. The findings reveal bread as the most wasted item, with minimal waste of meat and cereals. On average, households discard 361 g of bread per week, 98 g of fresh produce, and 9 g of cheese. The primary causes of food waste are difficulties in reusing small leftovers (32%), followed by challenges in meal preparation with available ingredients (34%). This study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions to address food waste effectively in Kenitra. By shedding light on waste dynamics and causes, it contributes to understanding this critical issue and offers valuable insights for policymakers and stakeholders working to implement strategies for reducing food waste and promoting sustainable consumption practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Chaimaa Belfakira & Zakia Hindi & Amina Lafram & Samir Bikri & Asmaa Benayad & Hamid El Bilali & Susanne Gjedsted Bügel & Dominika Średnicka-Tober & Patrizia Pugliese & Carola Strassner & Laura Rossi , 2024. "Household Food Waste in Morocco: An Exploratory Survey in the Province of Kenitra," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(11), pages 1-20, May.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:11:p:4474-:d:1401486
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Stancu, Violeta & Lähteenmäki, Liisa, 2022. "Consumer-related antecedents of food provisioning behaviors that promote food waste," Food Policy, Elsevier, vol. 108(C).
    2. Thyberg, Krista L. & Tonjes, David J., 2016. "Drivers of food waste and their implications for sustainable policy development," Resources, Conservation & Recycling, Elsevier, vol. 106(C), pages 110-123.
    3. Hermanussen, Henrike & Loy, Jens-Peter & Egamberdiev, Bekhzod, 2022. "Determinants of food waste from household food consumption: A case study from field survey in Germany," EconStor Open Access Articles and Book Chapters, ZBW - Leibniz Information Centre for Economics, vol. 19(21), pages 1-22.
    4. Cynthia Castro & Ekaterina Chitikova & Giulia Magnani & Julian Merkle & Maxi Heitmayer, 2023. "Less Is More: Preventing Household Food Waste through an Integrated Mobile Application," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(13), pages 1-18, July.
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