According to some studies, a quarter of all food is now wasted for a variety of reasons, including a lack of post-harvest cold storage, inefficient distribution and waste by consumers. Halving food waste could feed a billion people. The problem of food waste in developing nations is often linked to a lack of basic infrastructure, including effective transportation systems and adequate post-harvest storage.
According to a recent report issued by the International Food Policy Research Institute, investment in roads, transportation and electricity may be among the most effective strategies in addressing hunger in developing nations. The authors calculate that an investment of $239B in road and railways “to connect farms to markets” and in electricity to improve cold storage could yield benefits in the trillions (by preventing food waste).
The most recent study was an attempt to estimate benefits for developing nations in Africa, Latin America and Asia. The study also recommended a major investment in research to improve crop productivity.
Reuters reports.