Technological solutions and consumer behaviour in mitigating food waste: A global assessment across income levels

Abstract

Food waste remains a critical global challenge, exacerbating food insecurity, environmental degradation, and economic inefficiencies. This scoping review examines the interplay between technological innovations and consumer behaviour across high-, middle- and low-income contexts. The research identifies key patterns and relationships in food waste generation and mitigation strategies. It explores advanced technological solutions, such as AI-driven supply chain optimisation, smart packaging, and blockchain, alongside consumer-level interventions like education campaigns and food labelling improvements. Importantly, the study stratifies findings by income level, offering a nuanced understanding of the socioeconomic disparities influencing food waste reduction. Results highlight the potential of integrating tailored technologies with behavioural nudges to address waste effectively, particularly when supported by robust policy frameworks and multi-stakeholder collaboration. By aligning its findings with Sustainable Development Goal 12.3, this research provides actionable insights for reducing global food waste by half by 2030. The study concludes with recommendations for equitable, scalable interventions that cater to diverse socio-economic contexts, emphasising the critical role of public-private partnerships and consumer education in achieving sustainable food systems.