Africa is grappling with a critical food waste issue, losing nearly one-third of its agricultural output annually. In South Africa, 30% of the 31 million tons of food produced each year goes uneaten, costing USD3.42 billion, or 2.1% of GDP.
Sub-Saharan Africa leads the world in post-harvest losses, with grains comprising 37% of losses—valued at $4 billion—and spoilage rates for fruits and vegetables reaching up to 50%. These alarming figures underline the threat to food security across the continent, underscoring the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Pinpointing Losses in the Supply Chain
“While efforts to increase food production are widespread, less attention is paid to reducing losses, which could significantly expand food availability using existing resources,” notes Ben Leyka, CEO of the African Agri Council. “Identifying critical loss points along the value chain is essential for effective solutions.”
Food insecurity in South Africa is unevenly distributed, with rural areas suffering more than urban centers. Addressing this gap requires more efficient collaboration between public and private sectors.
“Private entities alone cannot effectively manage food distribution in underserved rural areas,” says Susan Payne, CEO of Holistic Agricultural Investments Group. “Governments can play a crucial role by cutting bureaucracy, offering incentives, and supporting initiatives that enable rural farmers to cultivate essential crops.”
Local Partnerships and Distribution Initiatives
Payne highlights Zambia as an example, where her organization partners with local input providers to grow staple crops like wheat, maize, and potatoes for distribution across rural and urban communities. These collaborations enhance large-scale food production and directly benefit local populations.
“We cannot overlook regions where over half of households experience moderate to severe food insecurity,” Leyka emphasizes. “Investments in storage and transportation could reduce losses by up to 50%, strengthening food security and paving the way for a sustainable future in Africa.”
Tackling Food Insecurity Through Innovation
Addressing global food insecurity also requires fostering scalable innovations through grants and other funding mechanisms, Payne suggests.
“Governments must support innovators with streamlined processes, such as simplifying visas, enabling cross-border financial transactions, and creating tax-free economic zones,” she says. “We also need coordinated leadership to harmonize efforts, much like an orchestra working in sync.”
Globally, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization reports that 13% of food is lost between harvest and retail, while 17% is wasted at the household, food service, and retail levels combined.
“Innovative technologies are pivotal in combating food waste,” says Payne. “Without them, addressing food waste at all stages—be it for human consumption, animal feed, or compost—becomes a daunting challenge.”
A Sustainable Path Forward
With Africa’s population projected to reach 1.7 billion by 2030, reducing food waste is crucial for ensuring long-term food security. This requires prioritizing investments in education and technology to empower farmers to minimize losses throughout the supply chain.
“Building circular food systems and enhancing infrastructure can significantly reduce food loss and improve access for vulnerable populations,” Leyka says. “Food security is a collective responsibility. By fostering collaboration, embracing innovation, and prioritizing education, we can transform the vision of food security into a reality for all.”
