Quantitative and qualitative assessment of food waste in rural markets in Morocco

Background: Food waste, a significant issue in sustainable food systems, occurs at various stages of the food supply chain, from production to consumption. However, there is limited data assessing the quantity and nutritional value of food waste at the retail level, especially in rural markets (Souks). Aims: This research aimed to characterize and quantify the nutritional value of food waste in rural retail markets of El Jadida and Sidi Bennour in Morocco. Material and Methods: A quantitative approach was employed, combining observational diagnosis of food waste types and a survey of sellers to collect information, through a questionnaire, on purchased and remaining quantities, as well as the nature and disposal of food waste. The nutritional value of wasted food was estimated using the Ciqual food composition table and the bilnut calculation program. Results: The estimated quantity of unsold food in the studied retail markets studied was 1135.36 tons/year, equivalent to 0.85 kg/inhabitant/year for the region’s population. Vegetables accounted for the largest proportion of unsold food (45.7%), followed by fruits (27.4%), and meat and offal (10.8%). The estimated quantity of food waste was 677.3 tons/year or 0.5 kg/inhabitant/year. The daily nutritional value of wasted food in the studied Souks was estimated to be 118.173 kcal, 7.616 g of carbohydrates, 6.026 g of proteins and 6.386 g of total fats, 1.579 g of dietary fiber, 334 mg of vitamin A, 1.6 mg of vitamin D, 945.9 mg of iron, 21.712 mg of calcium, 1.903 mg of potassium, and 4.56 mg of iodine. These nutrient contents could potentially contribute to the daily needs of a significant portion of the population, particularly for iron, as the estimated daily loss of 945.9 mg/day could meet the recommended daily intake of 59 adult women or 236 children under five years old. Conclusion: This study provides a novel comprehensive assessment of the nutritional value lost due to food waste in rural retail markets in El Jadida-Sidi Bennour. The findings reveal the need for improved supply chain management and demand forecasting to reduce food waste I these. Strengthening efforts to redistribute and reutilize wasted food can contribute to addressing nutritional deficiencies and food insecurity among vulnerable rural populations. Keywords: Food waste, retail trade, valorization, nutritional loss, rural markets.