Household food waste from a settlement perspective in Cape Town South Africa

Food security, greenhouse gas emissions from the food supply chain, and waste disposal are three of the most pressing global challenges. Food waste impedes food security, environmental sustainability, and economic resilience, especially in rapidly urbanizing destitute settlements of the Global South, where structural vulnerabilities intensify the issue. This study examines the extent, nature, and drivers of household food waste in Wallacedene, a less privileged settlement on Cape Town’s periphery. Using a mixed-methods approach, we conducted 85 household surveys alongside a focus group discussion to explore food waste practices, perceptions, and challenges. Findings indicate that 85% of households discard edible food, predominantly vegetables, bread, and fruit. Key drivers include inadequate meal planning, restricted access to refrigeration and storage facilities, irregular income affecting purchasing habits, and limited awareness of food preservation techniques. While many participants reported guilt, sadness, and frustration over food waste, their ability to reduce it was constrained by structural and material barriers. This study underscores the intricate relationship between individual behaviors and systemic limitations, arguing that household food waste requires a multifaceted approach beyond behavior change campaigns. Effective interventions must integrate education, infrastructure improvements, and community-driven solutions adapted to local contexts. Additionally, households should align food disposal decisions with ethical and moral principles rooted in Ubuntu (Botho), reinforcing collective responsibility and minimizing waste through economic and socially inclusive food-sharing practices. These findings provide empirical evidence for food waste in low-income African settlements, offering actionable insights for policies supporting Sustainable Development Goal 12.3 of the United Nations.