Assessing how load-shedding affects the generation of household food waste in Merafong City Local Municipality, South Africa

The present study investigated levels of awareness about the impact of loadshedding on the generation of household food wastes in Merafong City Local Municipality in South Africa. The research also assessed the statistical associations between socio-economic factors and food waste generation due to load-shedding. The stratified systematic sampling approach was used to select 105 survey participants. Face-to-face interviews were conducted by means of a questionnaire. The survey data were captured in Microsoft Excel (SPSS) and analysed using the Chi-squared (χ²) test and descriptive statistics. The study findings revealed a very strong association between type of settlement (χ²= 39.8, p = 0.002 < 0.05, Cramer’s V = 0.355), monthly income (χ²= 76.0, p = <0.001 < 0.05, Cramer’s V = 0.381), and the number of people living in the household (χ²= 38.8, p = 0.029 < 0.05, Cramer’s V = 0.304) with the contribution of load-shedding to household food waste. Overall, the study has identified the contribution of loadshedding on food waste generation. It is thus imperative for future studies to not only quantify the impact of loadshedding on food waste generation in Merafong but to also develop strategies to mitigate these negative effects on communities.