Estimates indicate that food loss and waste range between 20% and 30% of total food production, a very high percentage that requires serious attention, according to The Arab Organization for Agricultural Development (AOAD) Director General H.E Prof Ibrahim Adam El Dukheri.
In an interview with Food & Climate, Dukheri added that the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development, within its sustainable development strategy, gives great importance to the issue of reducing food loss and waste.
Food waste not only increases the number of hungry people, but also represents a loss of potentially limited natural resources.
In an interview on the sidelines of the FoodGuard Summit, hosted by Egypt last week, the Director General of the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development explained that the organization views knowledge-based work, studies, and research as a key component of methods to combat waste. The following is the text of the interview:
To what extent does food loss and waste pose a challenge?
The issue of food waste is a pivotal one related to food security, as it represents a major factor in the lack of food security in the Arab region, as well as globally.
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Estimates indicate that food loss and waste range between 20% and 30% of total food production, a very high percentage that requires serious attention.
What efforts is the Arab Organization for Agricultural Development making in this area?
As part of its sustainable development strategy, the AOAD places great importance on reducing food loss and waste. It is a key focus among five main pillars of this issue, with an emphasis on transforming food systems in the Arab region.
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The organization believes that technologies for reducing loss and waste are available and well-known, but the real challenge lies in creating a suitable environment for their practical application among farmers, producers, and processors.
How can these technologies be implemented in practice?
The food supply chain is long, starting from production in the field and ending with the final consumer. Losses and waste occur along this chain. Therefore, we focus on promoting knowledge of modern technologies, creating a supportive environment for their application, and linking innovations and inventions to appropriate financing mechanisms that meet the needs of different levels of production and processing.
What kind of cooperation does the organization undertake to achieve these goals?
The (AOAD) works in collaboration with development partners at the regional and international levels, as well as with ministries of agriculture in Arab countries, down to the local level, to directly support producers.
How does the (AOAD) support farmers and producers?
The AOAD’s role focuses on providing knowledge and technical support to various entities in the food production chain, contributing to increased efficiency and reduced losses. This work is ongoing and achieves tangible results on the ground.