Fasting, Feasting and Food Waste in West Asia

• Research shows that significant food waste is generated during social and religious occasions globally, and West Asia is no exception. 
• Ramadan began at sunset on 12th April - a time of reflection, this period shines an additional light on food waste and consumption patterns in the region.
• Households were responsible for 61 per cent of global food waste in 2019. Household food waste estimations in West Asia range from 75 to 163 kg/cap year (UNEP 2021). With celebrations most likely to take place at home this year, mindful consumption and waste prevention is now of the utmost importance.

Over 10 per cent of people worldwide are hungry – a number that is expected to rise sharply due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, roughly 25 per cent are overweight or obese and 17 per cent of food is wasted at consumer level.

Harmful to people and planet, UNEP records that food loss and waste uses labour, capital, fertilizers, pesticides, water, land and energy resources in vain, generating 8-10 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions, impacting biodiversity, costing governments, businesses and households nearly a trillion US dollars (UNEP).

Economic crises has gripped several countries in the region, and food insecurity (and crises) is  a real or imminent threat for many. Conversely, West Asia includes some of richest countries in the world. Comprised of 12 countries with remarkable income disparities, West Asia experiences different priorities across the food value chain, yet food waste prevention remains a common dominator in addressing several Sustainable Development Goals in the region.

With unique features related to its diverse culture, religion, history, and climate, food waste is generated over short periods of time. During Ramadan, research shows that from 25-50 per cent of food prepared is wasted.

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