Food, the very sustenance of life, is a critical resource that must be efficiently managed to ensure global food security. Yet, a profound issue plagues our world today: the staggering extent of food loss and waste that occurs at various stages of the food supply chain (FSC). As we delve into the intricate web of production, distribution, and consumption, Figure 1 offers us a glimpse into the 2007 production volumes of different commodity groups across the world’s regions, serving as a stark reminder of the scale of this challenge.
The data highlights that meat production is a powerhouse in several regions. Industrialized Asia emerges as a dominant player with around 46 million tons of pig and 12 million tons of chicken production. Europe, too, flexes its meat-producing muscles, boasting about 27 million tons of pig meat. Meanwhile, North America and Oceania present a more diversified portfolio with 18 million tons of chicken, 16 million tons of cattle, and 12 million tons of pig production.
In contrast, developing regions tell a different story. Latin America is marked by substantial cattle and chicken production, numbering around 15 million and 17 million tons, respectively. South and Southeast Asia lean heavily towards pig and chicken, contributing 7 million and 9 million tons, respectively. Sub-Saharan Africa’s focus is primarily on cattle production, hovering at approximately 4 million tons. North Africa, West Asia, and Central Asia favor chicken production, accounting for around 4 million tons.
Beyond the realms of production, we encounter a staggering revelation about food loss and waste. Roughly one-third of all edible food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted globally, amounting to a mind-boggling 1.3 billion tons per year. This colossal waste spans the entire FSC, from the very birth of agricultural production to the moment food reaches households.
Europe and North America bear the brunt of consumer-level waste, averaging between 280-300 kg per year. In contrast, sub-Saharan Africa and South/Southeast Asia report significantly lower figures, ranging from 120-170 kg per year. This discrepancy reflects not only the economic disparities but also the varying cultural attitudes towards food consumption and waste.
This serves as a lens through which we can scrutinize the multifaceted challenge of global food loss and waste. To address this critical issue, a nuanced approach is imperative, considering the regional dynamics, income disparities, and the specific vulnerabilities of different commodity groups within the food supply chain. With this deeper understanding, we can strive for more efficient, sustainable, and equitable food systems to feed our growing global population while minimizing waste and ensuring a sustainable future.
