Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Beatrice Manka’a
Published on 2024-03-27 19:10:30
A new report from the United Nations has brought to light a concerning issue: despite 783 million people around the world experiencing hunger, more than 1 billion meals are needlessly wasted every day. This revelation emphasizes the critical problem of global food waste, which has wide-ranging effects on the economy and the environment. Food waste contributes to economic strains and environmental degradation, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution. The report, released by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) on the eve of the International Day of Zero Waste, underscores the significant impact of squandering food resources.
In 2022, an astonishing amount of food waste was produced, totaling 1.05 billion metric tonnes. This equates to around 132 kilograms per person and makes up almost one-fifth of all available food. Surprisingly, a large portion of this waste occurred within households, with food services and retail sectors also playing a significant role.
It is important to recognize that food waste is not only a problem in affluent nations, contrary to popular belief. A recent UN report highlights the similarities in household food waste across different income levels and regions. Interestingly, it suggests that countries with hotter climates tend to have higher per capita waste. It is striking to note that only 21 countries have included food loss and waste reduction in their national climate plans, indicating a substantial gap in global efforts to address this issue.
Harriet Lamb, the CEO of WRAP, a UK-based global NGO, emphasizes the urgent need for collaborative actions to tackle the harmful impact of food waste on the environment, society, and economies. Lamb stresses the importance of G20 countries taking a more proactive role in measuring food waste and promoting Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12.3, which aims to minimize food loss and waste. According to Lamb, cooperation between the public and private sectors is critical for achieving tangible results, but it relies heavily on support from philanthropic, business, and governmental organizations.
The significance of reducing food loss and waste is highlighted by SDG 12.3, as it strives to enhance food system efficiency, ensure food security and nutrition, and promote environmental sustainability.
A recent collaboration in Cameroon between the government and the World Food Programme has underscored the importance of school feeding programs in addressing hunger. These programs play a crucial role in supporting thousands of vulnerable children, focusing on those who are experiencing hunger. Addressing and combating childhood hunger not only helps alleviate suffering but also contributes to reducing global food waste.
Effectively addressing food waste requires collaborative efforts at the local, national, and global levels. Through the implementation of school feeding programs and the promotion of public-private partnerships, societies can effectively confront the significant impacts of food waste on food security, climate change, and economies.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
