A guide to the application of a multidimensional solutions approach to food loss and waste reduction in aquatic value chains

Ward, A.; Peñarubia, O.R.;

A guide to the application of a multidimensional solutions approach to food loss and waste reduction in aquatic value chains

Copyright licence

Year of publication 2025

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 44 p.

Author Ward, A.; Peñarubia, O.R.;

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (series)

Category Technical study

ISBN 978-92-5-139765-7

Series title FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Papers

Series number No. 722

Full item page

To cite or share https://doi.org/10.4060/cd5069en

Synopsis (short abstract) Loss and waste is a feature of the fisheries and aquaculture sector and efforts to understand and characterize the causes of, as well as research and develop ways of reducing fish loss and waste are ongoing. Reducing food loss and waste (FLW) is widely seen as an important way to reduce production costs and increase the efficiency of a food system, improve food security and nutrition and contribute towards environmental sustainability. Evidence suggests that a broader multidisciplinary and multistakeholder approach to reducing FLW will be more effective and yield sustainable results. Such an approach encompasses and combines interventions that link policy, the regulatory framework, social and gender equity, services and infrastructure, market issues, technology, as well as skills and knowledge. Guidance for practitioners wishing to adopt this approach can be found in the Voluntary Code of Conduct for Food Loss and Waste Reduction (CoC FLW).This technical paper describes a multidimensional solutions (MDS) approach to reduce FLW, which, whilst more challenging to apply, is felt will likely lead to more successful interventions. An overview of the MDS concept and a description of a process that can be used to develop long-term multidimensional FLW solutions strategies for the fisheries and aquaculture sector are provided. Case studies are included, as well as observations on given application issues. This MDS approach is evolving but early indications are that it warrants wider dissemination, discussion, and application.

Cite this content as:

Ward, A. and Peñarubia, O.R. 2025. A guide to the application of a multidimensional solutions approach to food loss and waste reduction in aquatic value chains. FAO Fisheries and Aquaculture Technical Paper, No. 722. Rome, FAO.

https://doi.org/10.4060/cd5069en

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Language English

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This multidimensional solutions strategy for reducing the losses within the value chain of dagaa is a comprehensive and multi-sectorial related approach aimed at addressing the challenges and maximizing the potential of the fisheries sector in the United Republic of Tanzania. It aims to tackle the significant losses incurred throughout the dagaa fishery value chain in the United Republic of Tanzania with a strong emphasis on promoting the responsible use of fisheries resources for sustainable development. This strategy is designed based on the robust foundation of updated research findings on the extent of dagaa losses, extensive engagement of stakeholders, and a thorough understanding of the underlying causes and impacts of food loss and waste (FLW). By implementing this strategy, we seek to enhance the efficiency, resilience, and profitability of the dagaa while minimizing environmental impacts and ensuring food security which is the objective of Component 5 of the project GCP/GLO/352/NOR.
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This country report is a product of Component 5 of the project GCP/GLO/352/NOR. Food loss and waste (FLW) is a manifestation of poorly functioning food systems. Providing appropriate solutions to FLW in the aquatic food value chains is hampered by the lack of robust evidence-based data. The results of the fish loss assessments contributed to addressing the root causes of significant losses using the multidimensional solutions (MDS) strategy, a broader and holistic approach to FLW solutions. MDS strategy for reducing the losses within the value chain of dagaa is a comprehensive and multisectoral approach aimed at addressing the challenges and maximizing the potential of the fisheries sector in the United Republic of Tanzania. It aims to tackle the significant losses incurred throughout the dagaa fishery value chain in the United Republic of Tanzania with a strong emphasis on promoting the responsible use of fisheries resources for sustainable development. By implementing this strategy, we seek to enhance the efficiency, resilience, and profitability of the dagaa while minimizing environmental impacts and ensuring food security.
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Food loss and waste (FLW) in aquatic food value chains in the United Republic of Tanzania 2023

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The United Republic of Tanzania fisheries and aquaculture production is dominated by small scale fishers, processors and traders. The fisheries and aquaculture sector provides direct employment to about 202,053 and indirectly more than 4 million people depends on the fisheries related activities such as fish processors and traders, fishing vessel manufacturers and suppliers, fishing gear menders, fish mongers and employees. However, the small scale fisheries (SSF) is challenged with huge Post-Harvest Fish Loss (PHFL) along the supply chain from harvest to the consumption. Although, the United Republic of Tanzania is blessed with many different fish specifies which are characterized by different post-harvest handling and processes, and mixed fish and fish products loss and waste scenarios. This work found limitation of robust impact assessment and interventions to reduce food fish loss and waste for all value chains actors from harvest to consumption. This concludes that there is little information to inform policy makers, and recommend that more robust and harmonized evidences on FLW are needed.