Moroccan households waste most food as bread

Researchers in Morocco found that households in Kenitra Province throw away about 362 grams of bread each week, more than any other food.

University Ibn Tofail scientists surveyed 442 households from January to June 2022 to understand what causes food waste. They examined connections between waste and factors like income, education, and eating habits across 12 food types.

The study revealed that household income did not significantly affect the amount of food wasted, suggesting economic factors are not the primary driver of the problem. Instead, the researchers connected high bread waste to its quick spoilage and the common practice of buying large amounts at once. Conversely, households wasted less meat and fish, likely because people value these foods more and take care to store them properly.

Eating habits also played a role, with less frequent consumption of fruits, cheese, and eggs correlating with more waste of those items, due to their perishability. The study noted that education level did not have a strong link to overall food waste. While people with university degrees sometimes reported wasting more fruits, vegetables, and bread, these differences were not conclusive.

The researchers suggest reducing food waste requires raising awareness, improving storage, clarifying food labels, and using digital tools to help households manage food. They believe the findings from Kenitra Province can apply to similar middle-income countries in North Africa, and support Morocco’s goals for reducing food waste as part of the UN Sustainable Development Goal 12.3.