A stark revelation surfaces as Bangladeshi citizens squander an estimated 82kg of food annually, surpassing waste figures in affluent nations like the USA (73kg), Russia (33kg), and China (76kg). This alarming trend unveiled in the “Food Waste Index Report 2024” by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) based in Nairobi underscores a pressing global issue.
Households in Bangladesh collectively discard a staggering 14.10 million tons of food yearly, according to the report, marking a concerning trend of food wastage. Comparatively, neighboring countries like India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan also grapple with significant food waste challenges, highlighting a broader regional concern.
While the Maldives tops the region with a staggering 207kg of food waste per person annually, Bhutan stands out with the lowest waste at 19kg per person annually.
The ramifications of food waste extend beyond individual households, contributing to global greenhouse gas emissions and placing strain on agricultural resources. With $1 trillion worth of food wasted annually, the issue demands urgent attention from policymakers and communities worldwide.
UNEP Executive Director Inger Andersen emphasizes the urgency of addressing food waste, noting its profound impact on global hunger and environmental sustainability. As millions grapple with food insecurity, the unnecessary waste poses a significant setback to development efforts and exacerbates environmental degradation.
The report advocates for enhanced data collection and policy interventions to mitigate food waste at all levels of the supply chain. With nearly 1 billion meals wasted daily in 2022, the need for concerted action to combat food waste has never been more critical.
