Reducing Food Waste
In the OIC Member Countries
COMCEC
Any efforts to expand food banks and food distribution networks should be done in partnership
and consultation with the Arab Food Bank Regional Network (FBRN)
7.5. Cohes ive in itia t iv e s a n d c am p a ig n s to im p r o v e k n ow le d g e
What became very apparent when analyzing the survey responses, was a significant proportion
of the respondents had little concern for food waste, yet noted if they had access to further
information on the environmental impacts associated with food waste, and the provision of
solutions on how to reduce food waste e.g. through improved shopping practices, this would
encourage them to reduce food waste. This applied to both households and the food service
sector. Taking this into consideration, the implementation of a consumer campaign should be a
priority for COMCEC.
This report has identified a variety of campaigns and initiatives adopted internationally and by
member states to reduce food waste. Any future consolidated campaign should aim to draw on
the experiences of these initiatives, learn from and develop guidelines and principles for
member countries to co-ordinate the development, implementation, evaluation and monitoring
of their own specific campaigns which acknowledge their unique cultural and social dimensions.
It is highly recommended that COMCEC draw on the experience of global initiatives, and where
appropriate collaborate and engage with e.g. UNEP or the FAO to develop COMCEC’s campaign
plan. Again, the Sustainable Food System forum proposed earlier could be a useful space to
propose and develop such a campaign.
Any campaign proposed should provide practical support to stakeholders along the food supply
chain e.g. businesses, local authorities and consumers to create an environment where guidance,
learning and initiatives can be shared effectively and efficiently.
Excessive food waste generated at communal events, such as weddings are of concern to OIC
Member Countries. As such, any campaign needs to accommodate this cultural dimension, and
religious stakeholders should also be involved in the development of material and dissemination
of key messages e.g. during Friday prayers.
In conclusion, several policies have been recommended based on the findings of the research,
and draw on evidence from international work and activities in this space. Too often policy
implementation fails as it is not practical, cost-effective, beneficial to the user or disparate. It is
therefore recommended that COMCEC ensures that whatever policies are considered for
adoption, these should be cohesive, with a preference for a consolidated and umbrella
sustainable food system policy as the overarching aim, and that development is consultative and
draws on the good work that is already being undertaken in member countries.
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