This systematic review examines household food waste in Zimbabwe through the lens of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA), a tool for assessing environmental impacts. Food waste presents significant challenges in Zimbabwe, driven by poverty, limited market access, and insufficient storage and transport infrastructure. The review synthesizes findings from 41 articles and additional references, highlighting the environmental effects of food waste on land use, water resources, and greenhouse gas emissions.
The study recommends that Zimbabwe prioritize awareness campaigns and education on food preservation, reduction techniques, and home composting to address household food waste. Improved infrastructure and stakeholder engagement are essential to reducing the impact of food waste. By identifying the main drivers of food waste, this review provides insights into sustainable management practices, emphasizing the importance of addressing infrastructural issues to enhance the effectiveness of waste management in Zimbabwe.