Amman, March 16 (Petra) -- Food waste is an escalating global issue, with experts estimating that one-third of all food produced worldwide is wasted. This not only leads to massive economic losses but also has serious environmental and social repercussions. In Jordan, where resources are limited and reliance on imports is high, food waste has become a growing concern.

Akef Al-Zoubi, Head of the Agriculture and Water Committee in the Senate, told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that food waste happens at three key stages: production, distribution, and consumption. This affects a wide range of products, particularly staple foods like wheat, sugar, rice, oils, meats, and dairy.

He explained that waste in fruits and vegetables begins at the production stage due to improper farming practices that reduce yields. Waste then continues during the marketing phase, starting with poor harvesting practices caused by a lack of training for workers. Further waste occurs during sorting, packaging, and transportation to markets. Once in retail spaces, consumers’ choices can lead to further waste, with products being discarded because of minor imperfections. Poor consumer habits also play a significant role in the waste cycle.

Al-Zoubi pointed out that around 25% of food produced in Jordan is wasted across all stages, with waste in production often going uncounted. He also highlighted the additional challenges posed by plant diseases and environmental risks, such as extreme weather and natural disasters, which can lead farmers to abandon crops.

urgent implications. Globally, about one-third of all food produced – or roughly 1.3 billion tons – is wasted every year, even as over 800 million people suffer from hunger and malnutrition. This waste results in approximately $940 billion in economic losses annually. Environmentally, food waste is a significant contributor to climate change, accounting for 8-10% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

The causes of food waste are varied, including inefficiencies in agricultural production, poor infrastructure for storage and transportation, and strict market standards that lead to the rejection of perfectly edible food based on appearance. At the consumer level, excessive purchasing and poor meal planning are major contributors to the problem.

Al-Khawaldeh also noted that Jordan has seen a rise in initiatives to help redistribute surplus food to those in need, ensuring it does not go to waste while also helping to address hunger.

Both experts emphasized the need for improving infrastructure and supply chains to reduce food waste, as well as investing in better storage and refrigeration systems. They also advocated for encouraging food donations through food banks and charitable organizations. Raising awareness among consumers about the importance of planning meals and properly storing food is also critical in tackling the issue.

In addition, investor Laith Fakhouri, who is working on a project aimed at reducing food waste in Jordan, explained that a significant amount of food is wasted daily in restaurants and stores. His application will help redirect this surplus to benefit the community and the environment by connecting businesses with consumers to redistribute unsold food at lower prices, addressing both food insecurity and economic waste.

Meanwhile, food expert and functional food specialist, Engineer Rania Al-Babli, proposed an innovative approach to reducing food waste. By focusing on "smart" and "functional" foods, which are designed to be more durable and nutritionally rich, it’s possible to extend the shelf life of products and reduce waste. For example, she pointed out that bread waste is a major problem, with some bakeries throwing away up to 30% of their products. By adding natural ingredients like dates, the shelf life of bread can be extended, and its nutritional value enhanced, helping to reduce waste.

Al-Babli also suggested that drying fruits and vegetables could create new opportunities for food industries, allowing for the production of functional foods and further reducing waste in the process.

In conclusion, addressing food waste in Jordan requires a combination of better infrastructure, improved consumer habits, and innovative solutions that align with environmental sustainability and social responsibility. The collaborative efforts of government, businesses, and consumers will be crucial in creating a more sustainable and efficient food system.

//Petra// WH

16/03/2025 11:57:57