Enhancing Food Loss and Waste Management for Improved Sustainable Agri-Food System: Empirical Study in the Republic of Armenia

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between food security and waste management in Armenia’s agri-food system, which faces challenges such as low productivity, small landholdings, soil degradation, and inefficiencies in livestock and crop production. These issues contribute to food insecurity and dependence on imports. Emphasizing the importance of reducing food loss, the research analyzes data from 2005 to 2022 to identify correlations between food loss and variables such as food import, use, and export. The findings indicate that increased imports, use, and exports of food commodities are linked to higher food loss. Statistical and regression analyses highlight the impact of these factors on food waste and security, identifying key areas for intervention. Recommendations for reducing food loss include improving infrastructure for food imports, enhancing supply chain efficiency, and investing in better storage and preservation facilities. The study advocates for applying circular economy principles, such as redistributing surplus food and valorizing food waste. Strategies like community-supported agriculture (CSA) and clustering actors in the agri-food value chain are suggested to reduce waste and promote sustainable practices.