This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: South Africa can produce enough food for its population, according to official statistics. But millions face hunger, partly because food is lost and wasted in the value chain.
An estimated 10.3 million metric tons of food is wasted annually in the country, 19% of it fresh produce. A substantial portion of this loss and waste occurs during harvesting, transportation and marketing because of handling problems and inadequate infrastructure. We are agri-food systems specialists who have studied food waste both at the farm level and further along the chain toward consumers.
For example, I (Opara) have found that for pomegranates, 15.3% to 20.1% of the harvest is lost at the farm (for several reasons, but mainly sunburn and cracks) and 6.74% to 7.69% at the packhouse (as a result of superficial injuries and missorted fruits from the farm). Another study (Opara) measured postharvest waste at a produce market. This ranged from 0.68% to 1.26%.
The research confirms that food waste is partly due to inadequacies or failures in the cold chain, especially during summer, when high temperatures affect the physical quality of fresh produce. A cold chain is a temperature-controlled supply chain that keeps perishable products safe and fresh. My (Opara) recent study assessed the magnitude and seasonal variations of postharvest waste at the wholesale level, using a case study of a fresh produce market in Gauteng province, South Africa.
The study used the market's historical fresh produce waste data over three years (2021 to 2023). The results show that fresh produce is affected by seasonal heat and humidity, which affect its physical quality and consumer acceptability. Fresh produce is marketed and sold based on claims of freshness.
High temperatures typically result in increased moisture loss. If that is uncontrolled, the produce deteriorates and cannot be sold or safely eaten. Across South Africa's seasons, temperatures and humidity levels vary considerably.
Extract — continue reading at the source.
