Abstract:
The study examined the effects of agricultural food supply chain management practices on waste
reduction in food production, using Agatha Market as study area. The specific objectives were to
identify factors that give rise to food waste, to assess the influence of agricultural food supply
chain management practices on waste reduction of food production and to determine the benefits
and challenges of agricultural food supply chain management practices on waste of food
production as well as to determine strategies for food waste reduction in agricultural food
production. The study used descriptive research design with quantitative research approach. We
employed non-probability sampling method by using combination of purposive and convenience
sampling techniques. A total sample size of hundred (100) agricultural food traders was chosen
for the study. Questionnaire was employed as the major data collection tool, and SPSS and
Microsoft Excel were used to analysis the primary data and information that was collected. Lack
of processing machines was discovered as a major contributor to food waste, as it leads to the
underutilization of food resources during glut seasons, especially in regions with high
agricultural output. Additionally, unpredictable demand forecasts also pose a challenge of
agricultural food supply chain management practices on waste on food production as
inaccuracies in forecasting can lead to overproduction or underproduction, both of which
contribute to waste. We suggested that stakeholders in the agricultural supply chain such as
agricultural food producers (farmers), minimizing overproduction and spoilage, investing in
accurate demand forecasting tools is essential. These tools should leverage real-time data and
advanced analytics to predict consumer demand more precisely, enabling producers to align
production levels with market needs
