• Each individual in the KSA discards about 1.3 kg of food daily
• The economic impact of food waste, estimating an annual cost of 40.4 billion riyals 
• Saudi Arabiya is at the forefront of this crisis, contributing up to 50% of the total waste

In Saudi Arabia, the challenge of food waste poses a significant threat to the nation's food security, despite the existing shortfall in domestic food production. According to a recent report from the Saudi Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture (MEWA), the country has attained the undesirable distinction of being the global leader in food waste.

On a global scale, Saudi Arabia displays a notably high per capita food waste rate. On average, each individual in the country discards about 1.3 kg of food daily, resulting in an annual waste of 470 kg. This translates into a substantial daily financial loss of $US 35 million, accumulating to a staggering $US 13 billion annually. Noteworthy is the fact that almost half of this wastefulness originates at the household level.

A comprehensive study conducted by the Saudi Grains Organization in 2019 revealed the economic impact of food waste, estimating an annual cost of 40.4 billion riyals ($10.77 billion) based on consumer spending. The study further brought to light that each person contributes approximately 184 kilograms of wasted food, totaling a substantial 4.06 million tons annually.

Of particular concern is the revelation that approximately 33.1% of the food in Saudi Arabia goes to waste. The study emphasized the significant wastage of rice, a critical commodity for the country's food security. Disturbingly, estimates suggest that up to 40% of cooked rice is discarded by the populace, accentuating the need for urgent and effective measures to address this issue.

Top wasted food items

Estimates suggest that household food waste in Saudi Arabia is composed of approximately 35% baked goods and an additional 30% of cooked rice. However, the availability of precise scientific data on food waste in the Arab world remains limited or nonexistent.

Spanning all regions of the kingdom, a comprehensive research effort unveiled staggering figures, particularly in vegetable waste, exceeding 335,000 tons annually. Specific breakdowns reveal significant quantities, including 38,000 tons of zucchini, 201,000 tons of potatoes, 82,000 tons of cucumbers, 110,000 tons of onions, and 234,000 tons of tomatoes.

Analyzing a sample size of 30,800, the study highlighted substantial losses in staple foods, with annual figures indicating 917,000 tons of flour and bread, 557,000 tons of rice, and 22,000 tons of wasted sheep meat.

Moreover, noteworthy losses were reported in camel meat (13,000 tons), other meats (41,000 tons), and poultry (444,000 tons), coupled with an annual fish waste of 69,000 tons.

Specifically, date waste amounted to 137,000 tons, while general fruit losses reached around 608,000 tons, encompassing 69,000 tons of oranges, 12,000 tons of mangoes, and 153,000 tons of watermelons. These statistics underscore the pressing need for targeted interventions to mitigate food waste across various food categories in the country.

Causes of Food Waste

Given its limited local food production capacity, Saudi Arabia has increasingly turned to food imports to meet the rising demand. Several factors contribute to the prevalent issue of food waste in the country, including economic prosperity, cultural traditions involving excess during celebrations, and a general lack of awareness regarding the consequences of wasting food. The problem is further amplified by structural issues such as the absence of adequate legislation, insufficient policies, and traditional waste disposal practices.

Saudi Arabia's robust economy, balanced budget, and abundant oil reserves have enabled the government to shield the population from price increases by implementing price caps and providing subsidies to food producers and retailers. While this economic strength has resulted in higher per capita income, it has also led to individuals purchasing more food than they can consume.

The cultural emphasis on hospitality and celebration encourages people to buy and prepare food in large quantities, contributing to a substantial amount of waste, particularly during festivals, weddings, and other gatherings. This cultural tradition can lead to up to a 70% increase in food waste during special celebrations.

Religious events, such as Ramadan, witness a significant spike in food waste, with 30 to 50% of the prepared food during this holy month being discarded. Additionally, social occasions like weddings, births, and deaths often involve the preparation of excessive amounts of food, showcasing wealth and social status but also resulting in considerable food waste.

The emergence of fast-food establishments in Saudi Arabia is attributed to factors such as increased disposable income, a growing youth population, changing lifestyles, exposure to Western trends, and a lack of alternative socializing venues. Despite ongoing efforts to reduce food waste, it is emphasized that both female and male attitudes need consideration, and the impacts of various policies on food waste reduction should be thoroughly studied to formulate effective strategies in Saudi Arabia.

Way to minimize wastage

Chef Laila Fathalla, a proponent for reducing food waste in collaboration with the United Nations Environment Program, underscores the importance of a collective endeavor to instill a culture of moderation and minimize waste. Her recommendations include practical measures like preparing food in quantities aligned with a family's needs, making mindful and measured food purchases, and donating surplus food to those in need.

Chef Fathalla also advises organizing the refrigerator by placing newly acquired items behind older ones to prevent the latter from expiring unused. Although Saudi Arabia currently lacks a specific policy addressing food waste, the government is actively considering various proposals, and several initiatives have been launched. One noteworthy example is the "Action Plan" introduced in 2014, targeting the reduction of food losses and waste in the country.

However, effectively addressing food waste in Saudi Arabia requires the adoption of an integrated approach involving both the government and civil society. This strategy aims to modify behavior and enhance accountability, highlighting the necessity of a comprehensive plan to tackle this pressing issue.

Saudi Arabia urgently needs a comprehensive national strategy to combat food waste, as it poses a significant threat to the sustainability of the country's already strained natural resources, leading to challenges in food security. Developing an effective and viable strategy demands sustained and integrated collaboration among various stakeholders, including ministries, educational institutions, the food industry, opinion leaders, and change agents from civil society. Active engagement and the formation of coalitions among these stakeholders will play a crucial role in generating momentum to raise awareness about the repercussions of food waste and promote the behavioral changes necessary to minimize it.