Reducing food losses in resource-constrained developing economies: the role of human capital and cold chain logistics performance: evidence from Ghana

Purpose Food loss remains a critical challenge in temperature-sensitive agricultural supply chains, particularly in developing countries where inadequate human capital and cold chain logistics contribute to significant losses. This study explores the relationship between food loss and the capabilities of cold chain actors, with a focus on the frozen fish and chicken product supply chains in Ghana. Design/methodology/approach A mixed-method approach was employed, integrating quantitative survey data from 298 cold storage facilities with qualitative insights from 22 in-depth interviews. Thematic analysis was used to interpret qualitative data, identifying key themes related to workforce skills, logistical challenges, and operational efficiency. Statistical analyses, including factor analysis and hierarchical regression, were conducted to examine the relationship between human capital and food loss. Findings The study found a significant inverse relationship between human capital and food loss. Higher human capital among supply chain actors enhances refrigerated transport performance, leading to reduced food loss. Additionally, the combined efficiency of cold storage and transport partially mediates this relationship. However, no direct link was found between human capital and cold storage facility performance, likely due to infrastructural and operational constraints. Research limitations/implications The study's cross-sectional design limits its ability to establish causal relationships or capture changes over time in human capital, operational performance, and food loss. Originality/value This research addresses a gap in the literature by examining the role of human capital in mitigating food loss within cold chain logistics, an area that remains underexplored. It provides empirical evidence on the interplay between workforce capabilities and logistical efficiency in food supply chains.