Responsible Consumption: Lagos’ residents make case for food waste reduction

In 2015, world leaders agreed on a set of goals that will lead the world to inclusive and sustainable development by 2030. Having realised the essence of food in human’s life, responsible food production and consumption constitutes one of the goals, which must be attained by the actors and non-actors.

Nigeria is one of the countries in developing world, especially in Africa, where a large portion of food is being wasted every. Recent statistics indicates that the country’s food waste in monetary value has reached $750 billion annually. Every year, Nigeria records 45% post-harvest food waste. This is an indication that there is a need for Nigerians to take practical action aiming at reducing food waste and save the environment.

Meanwhile, Infoprations’ explored readiness of Lagos residents to key into the responsible consumption aspect of the Sustainable Development Goals. Views of 109 residents in Lekki/Ajah and Yaba areas of Lagos State on food sharing as a potential solution to reduce food waste in the state were sought.

From the residents, Infoprations learnt that people are giving leftover food in the areas. Majority of the residents (44.8%) shared or gave leftover food because the food are not wanted anymore and cooked more than their household could eat. Analysis also shows that large portioning is considered by over 41% of the residents.

When Infoprations sought to know the residents’ timeliness in sharing or giving food, over 29% said they give food 2 to 3 times daily while 19% did it weekly. The sharing occurs mostly in Lekki/Ajah than in Yaba, analysis reveals. In the two areas, Lagos residents are giving out leftover food because they do not want to waste it, the need to promote good neighborliness and that they appreciate the value of food.

Infoprations equally learnt that 44.8% of the surveyed residents who shared leftover food have strong relationship with their neighbours. Surprisingly, over 42% of the residents who did not share leftover food equally had strong relationship with their neighbours. Analysis further shows that more than 70% and 8% of the residents had friendship and land-lordship or land-ladyship relationship respectively.

Two most significant insights emerged from the residents’ views on food waste reduction through sharing or giving of the leftover food. According to them, the people who received the leftover felt entertained and had sense of belonging, indicating promotion of inclusive neighbourhood. Concerned stakeholders in agriculture and food security need to explore this by creating awareness on the need to be responsible food consumers, most especially in cities across the country.