Skills and knowledge

Skills and knowledge are required to be able to assess and monitor food loss and waste (FLW) and to manage losses (e.g. implement solutions). Skills and knowledge are needed to prevent losses through improving quality by using better handling and processing practices, business management, and efficient marketing. 

The style of training and awareness raising, and the materials and methods used, all have a bearing on how messages are received and used by beneficiaries. Training is an integral part of commercial operations. Staff often must have a specific level of education or training to fulfil the requirements for a particular job. Regular training to upgrade skills and knowledge, and keep abreast of changes in legislation and standards, is important. 

Capacity development needs to be gender sensitive. While training and education to increase knowledge and skills are part of the solution to FLW, it is valuable only when the beneficiary is able to apply the new knowledge and skills. For example, training fishers on the benefits of using ice properly will not have an impact if there is no ice or ice boxes available. This may, in turn, be caused by a lack of access to finance to invest in technology. 

Skills and knowledge are not just for fishers, processors and traders. It is also important for consumers. Encouraging consumers to demand better quality and higher standards can be an important economic driver to change and to achieve better practices upstream in the value chain. Encouraging consumers to accept products that are nutritionally beneficial and meet required food safety standards, but which may be visually different, is also important for waste reduction at the retail level.  Consumer awareness of food preservation, preparation and waste avoidance is also important.