Food waste issues, potential applications, and recovery plans in South Africa: A review

Food waste generation has continued to be on the increase globally, notably in low-income countries. The estimated global population increases of about 200,000 people daily translates to approximately 100 persons daily for Africa, thus expanding food waste generation. The food waste generated is estimated to be around one-third (approximately ~1.3 billion tonnes) of the total quantity of food produced globally and its economic analysis is valued at ~USD$ 800 billion. Moreover, the amount of food waste generated in sub-Sahara Africa is about 40% of the total tonnes of food produced (~100 million tonnes) and ~10 million tonnes in South Africa yearly. The continuous increase in the amount of food waste generated is now a major source of concern while there are no corresponding facilities to manage these wastes. The current waste disposal method which is landfilling is adequately insufficient and are at the end of its life span, with no intention of replacement due to space scarcity. Thus, this study aims to offer an overview of the issues connected with food waste generation and management in South Africa. Furthermore, this paper aims to summarize the result of acute food waste production on public health and the environment, and the economic and environmental gains of food waste management. Significant analysis of the present methods of food waste management and proposition for an improvement strategy were also discussed.