Дата публикации: 27-07-2026 00:00:00

Effective food management at the household level can contribute to reducing global food waste. This study investigated the factors influencing household food waste within a semi-urban community. A quantitative, cross-sectional, non-experimental research design was employed, utilising a structured questionnaire administered to 426 participants. Results indicate a high level of cognitive awareness during the purchasing phase; a vast majority of participants reported checking refrigerator stocks (88.0%), verifying expiration dates (89.0%) and storing food immediately upon returning home (89.9%). However, these proactive shopping behaviours contrasted sharply with household waste outcomes. Despite checking dates at the point of sale, 67.4 percent of participants identified ‘passed expiry dates’ as the leading driver of food waste, whilst 55.9 percent cited items being left in the refrigerator too long. The study highlights the disconnect between intent and follow-through and places emphasis on the need for a multilayered approach among policymakers, community organisations and other stakeholders. Such interventions can contribute to reducing household food waste, improving food security and advancing progress towards Sustainable Development Goal 12.3. By addressing both the behavioural and structural determinants of food waste and understanding the drivers of household food waste targeted and context-specific interventions can be developed.

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