Coming from a farming background I always had a good understanding of where our food comes from. Witnessing first hand (and taking part in!) the hard work that goes into producing food has led me to appreciate it more and consequently avoid wasting it. Phrases like “waste not want not” were regularly used by my parents. I knew that animals like sheep and cattle lost their lives so that we could have meat. I knew that farmers often endured difficult and stressful times so that we consumers could enjoy a wide array of fruits, vegetables and cereals. I knew that many food items have to be imported at great cost, both environmental and financial, so that we could eat what we wanted, when we wanted. I was thankful for the food I ate, especially when I knew that millions of people, many living in Sub Saharan Africa, were much less fortunate than I.
Imagine my horror therefore when a lecture delivered by PHd student Brendan Hallahan exposed the true extent of the global food loss scandal. 1.3 billion tonnes of food wasted per year. I would never have guessed that losses were so extensive.
As a result of this lecture I decided to base my MSc CCAFS research project on food losses. My research will attempt to ascertain the level of importance placed on food losses by Sub Saharan African countries in the context of mitigating and adapting to climate change. It has been widely projected that the food security of Sub Saharan African countries will be detrimentally affected by climate change. Taking account of food losses is therefore paramount and my research will attempt to ascertain the level of consideration that these countries have given to this vital issue.