A Framework for Reducing Food Loss and Waste in South African Supply Chains

The South African agriculture sector is grappling with significant challenges related to food loss and waste in supply chains, which can lead to economic inefficiencies and environmental degradation. Theoretical synthesis and critical review of relevant studies, frameworks, and methodologies currently in use or proposed within the field of agricultural supply chain management. This theoretical framework provides a structured roadmap for policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to implement effective strategies aimed at minimising food losses and waste in South African supply chains. Recommendations include the integration of technology into existing systems, capacity building programmes for stakeholders, and the development of standardised reporting mechanisms. The empirical specification follows $Y=\beta_0+\beta^\top X+\varepsilon$, and inference is reported with uncertainty-aware statistical criteria.