The potential effects of reducing food loss and waste

This paper provides an analysis of the effects that a reduction of Food Loss and Waste (FLW) could have on food security, on environmental sustainability, and on the livelihoods of rural households. A cost estimate of implementing measures to reduce FLW, obtained from a comprehensive literature review, was introduced into the OECD’s standard modelling framework (the Aglink-Cosimo model). The quantitative analysis shows that achieving SDG 12.3, and as such halving FLW by 2030, could reduce agricultural GHG emissions by 4% and lift 137 million people out of hunger by 2030. However, the analysis also identifies a potential loss in agricultural income due to reduced food demand, highlighting the need for policy makers to balance the associated benefits and costs when implementing their national FLW reduction strategies. Globally, FLW reduction targets ranging between 26% and 47% by 2030 would allow policy space for policy makers seeking to maximise social welfare or to minimise overall FLW.