Drivers of Food Waste Reduction Intention Among Indonesian Young Generation

Abstract

Solid waste management presents a significant challenge in Indonesia, with food waste accounting for 40.8% of all solid waste generated. The young generation is the largest producer of food waste compared to adults. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) reports that consumer behavior is the main factor causing food waste in middle-income countries. Considering that the younger generation occupies 24.34% of Indonesia’s population, this study aimed to analyze the determinants of food waste reduction intention among the young generation in Indonesia. The Extended Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) with four new introductory variables was used as a theoretical framework to understand the intentions of the young generation in Indonesia regarding food waste reduction. Data was collected from the young generation spread across Indonesia through an online survey using questionnaires, which resulted in 340 respondents. Data were then analyzed using descriptive analysis and partial least squares-structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) to test the conceptual model and hypotheses proposed. The results showed that perceived behavioral control (PBC), food consumption, level of religious knowledge, and level of knowledge significantly influence food waste reduction intention. Religious knowledge was the most influential predictor. This is in line with the nature of the Indonesian community, which is highly religious, and religion profoundly guides daily lives. Based on the results, this study recommended three practical implications for reducing food waste and is expected to contribute to ensuring food security and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.