Country-based projects

Food loss and waste (FLW) in aquatic value chains leads to economic loss and contributes to food and nutrition insecurity. Losses occur from the time of harvesting and at subsequent stages of the value chain. Interventions to reduce or prevent FLW tended to focus on technological solutions at certain points in the value chain, with less attention paid to the regulatory framework, the socioeconomic, gender, and cultural context, as well as access to services and the market. The project addressed the root causes of significant losses in important value chains and contributed to improvements in economic benefits, food and nutrition security, natural resource use, and negated environmental impacts and waste streams. Furthermore, the project applied a broader and holistic approach to FLW solutions. This considered upstream and downstream value chain activities and the implications these had on overall FLW. 

The outcome of Component 5 is the sustainable utilization of fisheries and aquaculture products, and its contribution to livelihoods and food security is enhanced. To achieve this outcome, the following activities were carried out.

 

Output 5.1: Enhanced capacity of fish value chain stakeholders in food loss and waste solutions 
 
Activity 5.1.2. Build capacity of value chain actors in food loss and waste solutions (including ongoing mentoring) 
This activity provides support to value chain actors by building their capacity on the various interventions to reduce or prevent FLW using multidimensional solutions. Due to the complexity of fisheries and aquaculture value chains, FLW solutions can require actions involving policy, technology, skills and knowledge, services and infrastructure, regulatory environment, social and gender equity, and good linkages to and understanding of markets. This approach is captured by the Voluntary Code of Conduct for Food Loss and Waste Reduction 
 
Output 5.2: Improved application of multidimensional solutions to reduce food loss and waste 
 
Activity 5.2.1. Establish and support the operation of multistakeholder food loss and waste platform/advisory group, whether institutionalized or not 
This activity supports the project implementation at national level by establishing a multiple stakeholder platform for FLW reduction. The platform members would likely include: public and private sectors, NGOs, food bank charity organizations, food R&D institutes, investors/financial institutions, large retailers, media, non-fish food producers. Such a platform will help guide project activities and will be nurtured by the project to become a self-sustaining entity. 
 
Activity 5.2.2. Collect and analyse information and data on food loss and waste in value chain(s), conduct food loss and waste assessment and establish project baselines, using a variety of assessment methods and tools for example EFLAM, load tracking, QLAM, Gender-responsive methodology and the SDG fish waste survey approach 
In order to effectively target and design solutions, the magnitude, impact, and causes of FLW and behaviour of the involved actors must be fully understood. FLW assessment requires the collection of data and their analysis using a variety of methodologies and tools. The assessment methodologies or tools to be used depend on the available data and information on FLW in the country. In countries for which there is already FLW data or value chain analysis has recently being carried out, the project will provide opportunities for interventions or low hanging fruit interventions which will enable the project to hit the ground running. 
 
Activity 5.2.3. Identify priority/significant food loss and waste reduction/prevention opportunities and holistic food loss and waste solutions approach 
This activity strengthens the capacity of stakeholders to identify priority FLW interventions based on the results of the loss assessment. Addressing FLW in fisheries and aquaculture value chains requires a multistakeholder approach focused on a combination of some or all of the following entry points: policy, appropriate technology, skills and knowledge, services and infrastructure, regulatory environment, social and gender equity, as well as good linkages to and knowledge of markets. 
 
Activity 5.2.4. Implement multidimensional food loss and waste solutions approach, taking into consideration innovative solutions linked with IUU, blockchain initiatives, renewable energy, and artificial intelligence innovations, as well as more traditional interventions related to value addition technologies and access to credit 
This activity highlights the importance of implementing multidimensional FLW solutions approach, combining traditional and innovative, cost-efficient methods with appropriate technologies. Policy issues, application of appropriate technology, skills and knowledge development, access to services and infrastructure, the regulatory environment, social and gender equity, as well as good linkages to and knowledge of markets can all provide opportunities for FLW solutions. FLW solutions are closely associated with innovation. Blockchain initiatives can improve traceability and consumer trust, renewable energy can be used to develop energy-efficient cold chains, artificial intelligence can optimise production. 
 
Output 5.3: Strengthened evidence-based food loss and waste knowledge products developed and disseminated 
 
Activity 5.3.1. Develop evidence-based guidance including food loss and waste solutions planning, impact of food loss and waste solutions, policy guidance 
Through the various events and activities supported by the project that lead to better understanding of the scope and magnitude of FLW and the identification of appropriate solutions using a multidimensional approach, evidence-based guidance on designing and planning loss assessments, and implementing and monitoring the impact of FLW solutions will be developed. 
 
Activity 5.3.2. Develop and refine the food loss and waste hotspot tool including eLearning modules, to assess and identify priority value chains developed and applied to guide decision making 
To guide the stakeholders in assessing and identification of priority value chains, a FLW hotspot tool that can be used in decision-making will be developed. E-learning modules and other information, education and communication (IEC) training materials based on the results of the project will be produced for awareness raising and education. 
 
Activity 5.3.3. Disseminate project knowledge products broadly, including updating Food loss and waste in fish value chains website using project outputs 
Harnessing the power of different media (radio, newspaper, television, video, social media), ICTs and digital innovations as well as formal and informal education channels, this activity will disseminate the project knowledge products. In particular, it will include updating the Food loss and waste in fish value chains website.