Understanding the heterogeneity in food wasting behavior among the Indonesian young generation: Cluster analysis

Abstract

Previous empirical studies on food wasting behavior have generally tended to overlook unique individual characteristics, often analyzing data under the assumption that individuals form a homogeneous group. To address this the literature gap, the present study sought to identify and categorize young individuals in Indonesia into more homogenous groups based on socio-demographic characteristics and food wasting behavior. To this end, Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Cluster Analysis (CA) were employed. The data were collected through an online survey of young individuals aged 16–30 across Indonesia as respondents, resulting in a total of 481 respondents. The study’s finding indicate that the combination PCA and CA is a viable approach for the identification and clustering of young individuals in Indonesia, with the basis of the identification and clustering being their socio-demographic characteristics and their behavior concerning food waste. This study underscores the heterogeneity among young Indonesians with regard to their food wasting behavior and socio-demographic characteristics. The analysis yielded three distinct clusters: Cluster 1, "students who care about food waste", Cluster 2, "students who do not care about food waste", and Cluster 3 "young workers who care enough about food waste". Specifically, no significant differences were found between clusters with regard to gender and the predominant method of food provisioning. A comparison of clusters reveals significant differences in the variables of age, educational attainment, occupation, income, food expenditure, and the frequency of food wastage. The differences among clusters provide crucial insights to support initiatives aimed at curbing food waste by addressing issues of heterogeneity. The distinguishing characteristics of clusters in the younger generation require alternative strategies and distinct policy recommendations, as outlined in this study.