Effects Of Food Wastages

1.1. Background and problem statement

Food is an essential component in the life of human beings and thus a necessity for survival. Often food crises in developing world has seen millions of people starve to death despite tremendous wastages witnessed in developed countries. It is often accentuated that, this wastages are attributed to our attitudes and habits as consumers, especially with regards to eating habits and the way we dispose food waste (Morgan 2009).Such attitude and habits have been regarded to not only impact on the consumers way of life but also the economy and environment (Morgan 2009, von Braun 2007).

For the last five decades increased economic growth in Singapore has seen tremendous increase in amount of disposable income coupled by declining food prices, thus leading to reduction in the proportion of income spend. Imperatively, with increased availability of food worldwide and variety choices offered, there has been increased lack of interest towards wasteful behavior and attitudes. This is more pronounced developed countries. In this countries the increase in plenty of food choices offered necessitated increased purchase of such foods (Stuart 2009). Such increased purchases have contributed to increased food wastages and over consumption. However the year 2008 saw a change in world perception towards food consumption. This was as a result of the food crises that saw the prices of food rise significantly in Singapore as well as globally.

Thus the dwindling food resource and scarcity, has necessitated a rethink and drawn much attention on the problem that is food scarcity and wastages. Further, with increased concern for reduction of greenhouse gas emission contributing to global warming focus has been draw...

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... basis for implementation of measures by the government, consumers and other stakeholders towards reducing wastages for sustainable development.

1.3. Research questions

The study sought to answer the following question

1. Which are Singapore consumers’ perceptions regarding the food waste?

2. Which are Singapore consumers’ practices regarding food waste?

3. Which are the predictors of the food waste behavior of consumers in Singapore?

I undertaking the research the study utilized the theory of Planned Behavior.

This thesis is structured into five chapters. Chapter two will be the literature review on prior studies on food wastages and theoretical models. Chapter three will incorporate the methodology adopted for the study and empirical study findings. Chapter four will include the research findings. Chapter five will provide conclusion and recommendations.

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