Integrated strategies for food waste reduction in Sierra Leone: A collaborative approach

Food waste is a pervasive global issue with significant economic, social, and environmental implications. In Sierra Leone, food waste is particularly acute, with substantial losses occurring at the post-harvest stage due to inadequate storage facilities, poor transportation infrastructure, and limited access to proper preservation technologies. This article examines the efficacy of collaborative approaches in mitigating food waste among farmers and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in Sierra Leone. Through a comprehensive literature review, the study synthesizes existing research, case studies, and reports to highlight the importance of collaborative efforts in reducing food waste. The review highlights the importance of developing coordinated and cooperative strategies that involve diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, businesses, and community groups. The findings reveal that collaborative governance (CG) processes, which engage stakeholders in consensus-oriented decision-making, are well-suited for addressing food waste in complex systems. The study also identifies key challenges and opportunities associated with collaborative approaches, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder engagement, resource availability, and contextual relevance. The article concludes with recommendations for improving the effectiveness of collaborative efforts and highlights the potential for these approaches to enhance food security and environmental sustainability in Sierra Leone. This study contributes to the broader understanding of food waste mitigation strategies and provides insights into the enablers, challenges, and best practices for collaborative approaches in the context of developing countries.