Managing Food Loss and Waste: Case Study of Granadilla Production at Everglades Farm, Mkushi

Abstract

Food loss (FL) and waste pose economic challenges in agricultural supply chains, particularly in fresh fruit chains like the granadilla. In the fruit supply chain (SC), significant losses occur at various stages of the SC, leading to high levels of waste and limited profitability. This thesis investigates FL and waste in a Granadilla SC based on a Farm in Mkushi Zambia, focusing on production to distribution stages. The objective of this study is to investigate the causes and impacts of FL and waste in Everglade’s Granadilla supply chain. This thesis used a case study approach paired with a concurrent triangulation design. The qualitative data was collected by interviewing five key respondents who are critical to the operations in each stage of the SC. Additionally, the quantitative data was collected through secondary sources, using data previously gathered by the company, and analysed using the Additionally, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe measuring methodology. Results indicated that the production stage of the SC accounts for the highest stage of FL due to wind damage and pests and diseases. These issues cause a snowball effect eventually causing the fruit to be deemed unexportable. The processing stage exhibits moderate losses primarily from quality issues. These losses reduce the farm’s export profitability and capacity. It was found that approximately 25% of the granadilla loss occurred at the production stage, amounting to an estimated K4,227,810.00 per season (at K30/kg). A further 26% was lost at the processing stage, and 9% was lost during distribution. Thus, the study highlights the need for strategic intervention, such as utilising the theory of constraints to identify constraints in the SC and work towards improving those constraints. This would mean, identifying the constraint – such as focusing on pests and diseases, exploiting the constraint - exploring and undertaking pest and disease management practices, subordinating other processes – allocating workers for pest scouting and treatment during high-risk months, elevating the constraint – investing in disease-resistant granadilla varieties such as the yellow granadilla (Passiflora edulis f. flavicarpa) and repeating the process with other constraints. Additionally, it was recommended that the farm works towards diversifying its income through the introduction of value-added products such as juices, jams and other granadilla-relevant products. This research contributes to understanding the food supply chains and food loss in sub-Saharan Africa and offers insights for agricultural stakeholders.