EFFECTS OF AGRICULTURAL FOOD SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON WASTE REDUCTION IN FOOD PRODUCTIO

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