Food Waste in Tunisian Households Reaches Alarming Levels
The issue of food waste in Tunisian households has reached alarming levels, according to specialists in the sector. Data from the National Institute of Consumption (INC) estimates that this phenomenon represents a global cost of approximately 570 million dinars per year, confirming the magnitude of a problem that is both economic, social, and environmental.
Key Findings
- The losses are mainly concentrated at the household level, where a significant portion of food purchases end up in the trash.
- On average, about 5% of household food expenses are wasted, reflecting consumption habits that are still not optimized.
- The most affected products are basic foodstuffs, with bread being the most commonly discarded food item, followed by pasta, cereals, and vegetables.
- Cooked meals, particularly during periods of high consumption such as the month of Ramadan, also contribute to these losses.
The Bread Waste Problem
- Each household throws away an average of approximately 42 kg of bread per year.
- At the national level, this translates to around 900,000 loaves of bread wasted every day, resulting in an estimated loss of nearly 100 million dinars per year.
Structural Problems and Behavioral Factors
- Experts highlight a structural problem that affects the entire food chain, from production to consumption.
- However, household behavior appears to be a determining factor, particularly due to inadequate management of purchases, storage, and meal planning.
Environmental Impacts
- The impacts of food waste are not only economic but also exert additional pressure on the natural resources used to produce these foods, such as water and energy, thereby exacerbating environmental concerns.
National Strategy to Combat Food Waste
- The authorities have announced the preparation of a national strategy to combat food waste, in collaboration with the FAO and the Ministry of Trade.
- Workshops are scheduled for June 10 and 17 to define concrete measures, a monitoring system, and awareness campaigns targeting the general public.
Related Resources
- The June issue (number 330) of the Managers magazine features a special report on the circular economy and the actors driving this transition in Tunisia and internationally.
