People globally waste 1 billion tonnes of food each year as per the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) figures. One-third of all food produced globally is lost or wasted.
The holy month of Ramadan is considered a month of self-restraint, but it is often marked in Gulf countries with hotel buffets and dinner parties. As a result, some of the food from these banquets are not consumed, according to EcoMena, an organisation that tries to foster environmental awareness across the region.
Preventing food waste is among Qatar’s top priorities and the country has incorporated this goal in its national food security programme. The Ministry of Municipality has taken a number of measures to curb the phenomenon. Social organisations have also come forward with nationwide campaigns. Hifz Al Naema Centre is one such organisation. It collects surplus food not consumed and distributes it among people who need it through distribution sites around the country.
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MoCI) has called for rationalisation of food consumption during Ramadan. The MoCI asked consumers to set a budget and a shopping list and avoid buy unnecessary goods and foodstuffs.
The consumers have been urged to choose the right time for shopping, preferably not during fasting hours because feeling hungry can make them buy more than they need. The ministry cautioned consumers not to be tempted by fake offers and discounts. The MoCI advised consumers to try to limit cooking one or two items for Iftar meals to avoid food waste, asking them keep the leftover to eat later.
The Ministry of Municipality launched a survey last year to develop a national food waste baseline in the country. The Food Security Department at the ministry in cooperation with the UNEP implemented the first phase of the study to establish the baseline with the aim of formulating appropriate policies and raising awareness on the wastage of food.
During the first phase, from February 28, 2022 to the end of March 2022, food leftovers were collected and sorted at household level in Doha Municipality.
A ministerial decision was issued in 2021 making it mandatory for all entities to sort out their wastes into organic and solid.
The sorting out of wastes at the source helps in knowing the quantity of wastage and track the reason for wasting organic products (food items). The initiative helps in recycling organic wastes into other products like fodders and fertilisers.
