INCORPORATING COLD CHAIN
CONTRIBUTORS
Images supplied by Webber Wentzel
Garyn Rapson , partner at Webber Wentzel . Lerato Molefi , associate at Webber Wentzel .
Food losses and waste are global challenges that have profound economic , environmental and social consequences . In South Africa , these issues are receiving heightened attention , and the government is taking proactive steps to address them .
South Africa is a signatory to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ). SDG12 seeks to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns . SDG 12.3 calls for cutting in half per capita global food waste at the retail and consumer level and reducing food losses along production and supply chains ( including post-harvest losses ) by 2030 .
South Africa ’ s proposed food losses and waste strategy is a comprehensive plan , which is one of the key interventions of the National Waste Management Strategy . Below we explore the significance and implications of this strategy .
THE FOOD WASTE CHALLENGE
The scale of food losses and waste in South Africa is staggering . It is estimated that up to 31 % of the country ' s food production is lost or wasted each year , while millions of South Africans go hungry . This is not just a moral dilemma , it is an environmental and economic crisis . Food losses and waste occur at various stages of the food supply chain , from production and distribution to consumption and disposal . This challenge is particularly critical because of widespread food insecurity and the environmental impact of wasted resources .
KEY ASPECTS OF THE PROPOSED FOOD LOSSES AND WASTE STRATEGY
• Prevention and reduction : the strategy prioritises the prevention and reduction of food losses and waste at all stages of the supply chain . This includes supporting sustainable agricultural practices , improved storage facilities and efficient distribution systems . Reducing food loss and waste at the source , from farm to fork , is both cost-effective and environmentally responsible .
• Behaviour change through education : central to the success of this strategy is changing consumer behaviour . It is essential to raise awareness about the consequences of food waste and the importance of responsible consumption .
• Partnerships : collaboration with various stakeholders , including government agencies , food producers , retailers and NGOs is crucial to implementing effective food waste reduction initiatives .
• Regulation and incentives : the strategy explores the possibility of regulations and incentives to encourage responsible disposal and practices . It is worthy to note that there are already comprehensive organic waste management laws and regulations in place under the National Environmental Management : Waste Act .
• Monitoring and reporting : robust monitoring and reporting mechanisms are pivotal for tracking progress and holding stakeholders accountable . Identifying areas with the highest food losses and waste will help in tailoring effective interventions .
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BENEFITS
The development and implementation of this strategy has significant benefits , including :
• Resource conservation : by reducing food losses and waste , South Africa can conserve valuable natural resources , including water , energy and land , which are used in food production . It also reduces Green House Gas emissions from decomposing food waste in landfills , contributing to climate change mitigation .
• Economic savings : less food waste translates into economic savings for households , businesses and the nation .
• Food security : by mitigating losses in the supply chain , more food can reach the hungry . This is vital .
The strategy is a holistic approach that involves various stakeholders . It is aligned with existing instruments such as Operation Phakisa , the South African Food Waste Initiative Voluntary Agreement and the Food Waste Prevention and Management Guideline for South Africa . The draft strategy is a significant advance towards tackling the problem . CLA
COLD LINK AFRICA • January / February 2024 www . coldlinkafrica . co . za 29