Assessment of food waste management perceptions and practices of interns at the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture from various Institutions of Higher Learning in South Africa

Abstract

This report provides insights on institutions of higher learning students food waste management perceptions, practices and knowledge. Food waste refers to food appropriate for human consumption being discarded, whether after it is left to spoil due to behavioural issues or kept beyond its expiry date (Consumer Goods Council of South Africa, 2020). Food waste is a considerable sustainability challenge due to its social and environmental impacts, and many institutions of higher learning especially universities around the world are engaged in food waste prevention. Institutions of higher learning offer opportunities for prevention of food. This paper discusses matters related to government policies university policies and strategies, best practices as well as deficiencies that are seen in preventing food waste. The reason why the study was conducted was to fill the gap in the literature and examines the perceptions, knowledge, practices and awareness of young consumers (students) from various institutions of higher learning in South Africa about food waste. The sample is students doing internship within the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture. These students are from different backgrounds, households, provinces and studies towards difference qualifications. The study also assessed whether these institutions have put measures in place to create awareness among students to address food waste on campus. The research study was envisaged to gain insights that will assist the government and institutions of higher learning to increasing awareness food waste management practices among students who should take more responsibility in this issue as future leaders. It is envisaged that food waste awareness raising will contribute to a ‘cultural change and making young people more conscious and responsible. The research was conducted within the National Department of Sport, Arts and Culture in South Africa. Online questionnaire was distributed via email to 57 respondents who are students from various institutions of higher learning doing internship at the department. Convenience sampling was used as the department provided the researcher with database with list and email addresses of the interns. Only 36 respondents completed the questionnaire. Respondents in the study are from 9 different universities in South Africa which are Tshwane University of Technology, University of Johannesburg, University of Limpopo, University of South Africa, University of Venda, University of Pretoria, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban University of Technology and Vaal university of Technology.