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The role of international and national legal framework for the prevention and reduction of food loss and waste (FLW)

Universitas Andalas, International Law, Indonesia

Abstract

Currently, over 3 billion individuals globally lack access to a nutritious food. Approximately 690 million people are undernourished, and 2 billion people eat poorly, which results in micronutrient deficiencies and raises the risk of obesity and non-communicable diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The agri-food system needs to be drastically changed in order to fulfil the human right to sufficient food in a sustainable manner and to offer everyone access to safe, cheap, and healthy meals. The fact that Food Loss and Waste (FLW) exists is proof of their present flaws. According to FAO, around 14 percent of the food produced is lost worldwide. Subsequently, food waste occurs at the retail and consumer distribution level. A report released by UNEP in 2021 states that 17 percent of the food produced is wasted worldwide. Further, around 8 to 10 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions are associated with FLW. The United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) dedicated a specific target to the reduction of FLW, (target 12.3). Further, FLW also has a negative impact on the realisation of the human right to adequate food. This study aims to investigate the role of international and national legal framework for the prevention and reduction of FLW in order to achieve Sustainable Development Goals in Indonesia. To achieve the research objectives, several research questions have been addressed namely: (1) What are the roles of international laws/rules (hard law and soft law) for the prevention and reduction of FLW?, (2) How Indonesia adopted those rules into its national/domestic law?, and (3) What kind of model law for FLW prevention and reduction that can be applied in Indonesia? This research is empirical legal research and employs socio-legal approach. Data collection are applied trough document (web) sourcing and in-dept, face to face as well as online interview, with several informants from relevance institutions at the national level. Qualitative method are used to analysis data gathered, systematic literature review and content analysis are also employed.

Keywords: Food loss and waste, Indonesia, international legal framework, sustainable development goals

Contact Address: Sri Oktavia, Universitas Andalas, International Law, Jln Kalimantan Blok U/1 Wisma Indah I - Ulak Karang, Padang City, Indonesia, e-mail: srioktavialaw.unand.ac.id