ADDRESSING FOOD PRODUCTION WASTE IN AFRICA: INTEGRATION OF LEAN SIX SIGMA AND INDUSTRY 4.0 TECHNOLOGIES

This research aims to investigate a possible integration between Lean Six Sigma tools and principles and Industry 4.0 technologies to address pre-harvest and post-harvest food waste with a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa. With the projected increase in world population by United Nations to increase by 33% in 2050 and 99% increase in Sub-Saharan African in the same year. These foreseen changes will present global food security concerns in the future, with the greatest demand growth from the Sub-Saharan African region. The United Nations and the Food and Agriculture Organization predict that about 1.3 billion tons of food are globally wasted or lost per year, which also further adds to a global food security concern, bringing about a rise in food prices due to growing consumer demand. To address this impending challenge on food security globally, we aim to introduce analytics by applying advanced information systems synergies with the lean six sigma DMAIC methodology to systematically proffer solutions to production waste by understanding the critical factors responsible and curbing them with the latest innovations. This integration will bring about a more resilient food system, especially during and after the Covid-19.