Related items
Showing items related by metadata.
-
ArticleJournal articleThe environmental impact of reducing food loss and waste: A critical assessment 2021
Also available in:
No results found.This paper examines the rationale for pursuing environmental objectives by reducing food loss and waste (FLW). The main thrust of the literature on this issue is that FLW reduction can make a major contribution to making food systems more sustainable. Using a stylized analytical framework, we find that reducing FLW always improves resource use efficiency for land and water, and reduces the amount of greenhouse gases (GHG) emitted per unit of food consumed. However, whether the actual environmental outcome is improved will depend on where environmental damage and FLW reduction occur, and the way price transmission connects these along the food supply chain. We find that, while a food waste reduction at the consumer level always improves the environmental outcome, this is not guaranteed when reducing losses from farm to retail. We thus derive a condition linking the price transmission mechanism and the environmental impact of a loss reduction. Simulating environmental outcomes based on a range of parameter values found in the literature, we find that reducing losses at or close to the farm level can increase the aggregate amount of GHG emissions, and therefore focusing on reducing consumer waste is more effective in reducing emissions. As for reducing natural resource use, both loss and waste reductions reduce the amount of land and water use, but effectiveness is reduced by heterogeneity in environmental impact. Relative to loss reductions, effectiveness of a waste reduction is amplified if there are environmentally damaging losses upstream in the value chain, but also dampened by vertical heterogeneity of sourcing along a value chain. The paper makes the case that more targeted instruments may be better suited to address typically local water scarcity and land use and degradation issues. -
Brochure, flyer, fact-sheetBrochureCoordinating local and national actions to reduce food loss and waste in Mediterranean cities
Webinar outcomes
2025Also available in:
During this webinar, organized by the SFS-MED Platform and held on 28 January 2025, stakeholders from across the Mediterranean came together to share insights, strategies and experiences on addressing the growing challenge of food loss and waste in the region. Panelists emphasized the powerful role cities can play in driving innovation and systems change by promoting more efficient resource use, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and generating social and economic benefits - from improved public health to new job opportunities. Strategic urban governance was highlighted as critical to identifying local drivers of food waste and enabling context-specific solutions, supported by clear legislation, cross-sectoral policies and incentives for the private sector. The discussion underscored the importance of multi-level coordination, linking local, national and international efforts, as well as the need for stronger collaboration between science, policy and practice. Advancing research, education and technology transfer were seen as pivotal to unlocking practical, scalable solutions. Ultimately, reducing food loss and waste is not only a technical challenge, but a shared responsibility that demands collective action to transform agrifood systems in the Mediterranean and accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. -
Brochure, flyer, fact-sheetBrochurePotential Impacts on Sub-Saharan Africa of Reducing Food Loss and Waste in the European Union
A focus on food prices and price transmission effects
2015Also available in:
No results found.This paper uses scenario analyses to investigate how reductions in food loss and waste (FLW) in the European Union (EU) could influence prices in sub-Saharan Africa – as a source and destination of traded agricultural and food products. In addition to a baseline “business as usual” (BaU) scenario, four scenarios with 50-percent reductions are enacted using the Modular Applied GeNeral Equilibrium Tool (MAGNET). The analysis provides insights on potential impacts in terms of medium- to long-term g lobal and local price changes in sub- Saharan Africa and the mechanisms behind them – changes in production, consumption and trade patterns. It also provides insights into the potential welfare impacts. The research shows that loss or waste of safe and nutritious food for human consumption is being prevented and reduced in the EU concurrent to actions in other regions. The potential intra- and inter-regional impacts on food prices and welfare therefore need to be further researched and projected . The research also shows that high-level considerations of the socio-economic impacts of FLW need to be balanced with value chain analyses that include data on costs related to the prevention and reduction measures to be implemented for short-, mediumand long-term returns on investments along food supply chains, including at the end consumption level.
Users also downloaded
Showing related downloaded files
-
Book (series)Technical studyClimate change risks to marine ecosystems and fisheries
Projections to 2100 from the Fisheries and Marine Ecosystem Model Intercomparison Project
2024Also available in:
No results found.Climate change impacts on marine fisheries resources are changing the distribution and productivity of marine organisms around the globe. Knowledge and model projections to estimate fish biomass gains and losses are crucial for informing climate-resilient fisheries management and adaptation planning. This report was developed in collaboration with the Fisheries and Marine Ecosystem Model Intercomparison Project (FishMIP); it presents projections to 2100 of exploitable fish biomass under different climate scenarios, for all countries and territories. The results are based on state-of-the art modelling approaches produced by a global network of marine ecosystem modelers. Investigating the medium- and long-term effects of climate change on global marine ecosystems and fisheries, modellers collaborated to compare existing models worldwide and to produce an ensemble of projections, along with their associated uncertainties, under low and high-emission future scenarios. The report's elements are expected to support countries' efforts in updating their Nationally Determined Contributions to achieve the Paris Agreement goals. -
Book (series)FlagshipThe State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024
Blue Transformation in action
2024The 2024 edition of The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture features the Blue Transformation in action, illustrated by activities and initiatives, led by FAO in collaboration with Members, partners and key stakeholders, to integrate aquatic foods into global food security and sustainability, enhance policy advocacy, scientific research and capacity building, disseminate sustainable practices and technological innovations, and support community involvement. Part 1 of this edition of The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture benefits from significant improvements in data collection, analytical and assessment tools and methodologies to present the most up-to-date review of world fisheries and aquaculture production and utilization. Part 2 highlights the role of FAO and its partners to catalyse the transformational changes required to support aquaculture expansion and intensification, effective management of global fisheries and upgrading of aquatic value chains. Part 3 covers the high-impact challenges and opportunities of the untapped potential of utilizing whole fish and by-products to improve food security and nutrition, expounds on the role of aquatic food systems in providing critical climate, biodiversity and environmentally sound solutions, and highlights the importance of their integration into national and multilateral processes. It also presents an outlook on future trends up to 2032 based on projections. The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024 provides the most up-to-date and evidence-based information, supporting policy, scientific and technical insights on challenges, opportunities and innovations shaping the present and future of the sector, for the benefit of a wide and expanding audience of policymakers, managers, scientists, fishers, farmers, traders, civil society activists and consumers. -
Book (series)FlagshipThe State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025
Addressing high food price inflation for food security and nutrition
2025While some progress and recovery have been made in recent years, the world is still above pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels and far from eradicating hunger and food insecurity by 2030 (SDG Target 2.1). Similarly, despite some progress in the global nutrition targets, the world is not on track to achieve SDG Target 2.2. Among other factors, persistent food price inflation has slowed this momentum.The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World 2025 highlights how elevated inflation in many countries has undermined purchasing power and, especially among low-income populations, access to healthy diets. The report documents how high food price inflation is associated with increases in food insecurity and child malnutrition. Vulnerable groups, including low-income households, women, and rural communities, can be particularly affected by food price inflation, risking setbacks in the fight against hunger and malnutrition.In response to these challenges and to prevent future price shocks, the report examines policy measures adopted by countries, and outlines what is necessary going forwards. It stresses the importance of coherent implementation of fiscal and monetary policies to stabilize markets, promote open and resilient trade, and protect vulnerable populations. Additionally, it calls for better data systems and sustained investment in resilient agrifood systems to build long-term food security and nutrition. These coordinated actions are vital to reignite progress towards ending hunger and malnutrition by 2030.