Socioeconomic factors of global food loss

This study investigates the socioeconomic factors contributing to food loss in the early stages of the food supply chain, such as farm production, harvesting, storage, and transportation. Global food loss represents not only lost edible resources but also an inefficient use of production inputs, exacerbating issues like climate change, biodiversity loss, and economic waste. The authors explore the relationship between food loss and factors like gross national income (GNI) per capita, agricultural employment, rural electricity access, and export volume. Findings indicate that higher GNI per capita and greater agricultural employment correlate with reduced food loss, suggesting that higher income may support technological and infrastructural improvements, while labor remains essential for reducing food loss in countries with limited technology. Access to electricity in rural areas and increased export volumes also relate to lower food loss, though effects vary by commodity and supply chain stage. The insights gained from this study are valuable for policymakers in countries where early-stage food loss threatens food security and underscore the importance of socioeconomic conditions in addressing food loss sustainably.