Consumer behavior in household food waste: comparing portuguese and colombian samples

Abstract

Food waste is a global challenge that has gained prominence as more room has been provided to investigate its roots and causes in order to preserve the efficiency of natural resources and its economic repercussions on countries. Yet, the amount of food waste varies greatly between developed and developing countries. By conducting conclusive research through both descriptive and correlation examination and a thorough review of existing literature, the present study aims at understanding the behavior of consumers towards food waste in Portugal and Colombia to promote awareness within the population as well as the endorsement of policies that tackle food waste in both countries. Up to now, the comparison of main drivers of consumers towards food waste generation within these two countries at household level have remained practically unexplored. Therefore, the outcome of this research study has substantial relevance to grow awareness among the general community and to facilitate policies that address food waste and associated impacts to promote behavioral change in both markets.