Food Waste in Tunisia: A Growing Concern
Each year, nearly two million tons of food are thrown away in Tunisia, which translates to an average of 172 kg per person. This staggering figure places the country at the top of the Maghreb region and second in the Arab world, just behind Egypt, according to the "2024 Food Waste Index" by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), as reported by the TAP agency.
Main Victims of Food Waste
Bread, cereals, and vegetables are among the basic products that are most affected by this massive waste. The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) considers this phenomenon not only an economic issue but also a direct threat to national food security and a contributor to climate change.
Global Impact of Food Waste
Globally, food waste generates 10% of greenhouse gas emissions, according to the same source. Furthermore, every discarded food item unnecessarily uses water, energy, and agricultural land, ultimately ending up in landfills where its decomposition produces methane, a gas much more potent than CO2.
Simple yet Effective Solutions
In response to this urgent issue, the WWF calls for simple yet effective actions:
- Better planning of meals
- Adjusting purchases
- Valuing surplus food
- Supporting the recycling of organic waste
These measures can transform an environmental challenge into an opportunity for the country, going beyond household economics.
A Chance for Tunisia to Reinforce its Food Resilience
For Tunisia, reducing food waste is not only an ecological issue but also an opportunity to strengthen its food resilience while affirming its commitment to international climate agreements.
