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

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  • Chaimaa Belfakira
  • Zakia Hindi
  • Amina Lafram
  • Samir Bikri
  • Asmaa Benayad
  • Hamid El Bilali
  • Bügel, Susanne Gjedsted
  • Dominika Średnicka-Tober
  • Patrizia Pugliese
  • Carola Strassner
  • Laura Rossi
  • Lilliana Stefanovic
  • Youssef Aboussaleh

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.

Original languageEnglish
Article number4474
JournalSustainability (Switzerland)
Volume16
Issue number11
Number of pages20
ISSN2071-1050
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2024

Bibliographical note

Publisher Copyright:
© 2024 by the authors.

    Research areas

  • food security, household food waste, Kenitra, Morocco, survey, sustainability, SysOrg

ID: 395863323