GOVERNING FOOD LOSS AND WASTE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GLOBAL MEASUREMENT METHODOLOGIES

Eder Joaquin Rodriguez Matus; Genaro Aguilar Gutiérrez; Alejandra Ramírez Martínez; Roberto Rendón Medel

Todos os Trabalhos

Trabalho

DOI

10.29327/9786527226680.1441759

Título do Trabalho

GOVERNING FOOD LOSS AND WASTE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GLOBAL MEASUREMENT METHODOLOGIES

Autores

Eder Joaquin Rodriguez Matus
Genaro Aguilar Gutiérrez
Alejandra Ramírez Martínez
Roberto Rendón Medel

Modalidade

IRSA - Congresso Mundial de Sociologia Rural (01/10/2025 a 20/01/2026)

Área temática

IRSA 24 - How are Global Food Systems Governed?

Data de Publicação

06/08/2026

País da Publicação

Brasil

Idioma da Publicação

pt-BR

Página do Trabalho

https://www.even3.com.br/anais/sober-irsa2026/1441759-governing-food-loss-and-waste--a-comparative-analysis-of-global-measurement-methodologies

ISBN

978-65-272-2668-0

Palavras-Chave

methodologies, food systems, food loss and waste, governance, sustainability

Resumo

Measurement of food loss and waste (FLW) has become a strategic tool for informing public policy and strengthening the governance of food systems. Global methodologies not only generate data, but also shape how the problem is defined, prioritized, and managed. This paper aimed at analyzing the main global methodologies used to measure FLW by examining their approaches, assumptions, and scope, and by identifying their implications for food systems governance at global and territorial scales. The study analyzed methodologies developed by international organizations such as FAO, UNEP, WRI, WRAP, FUSIONS, and IICA. Technical documents and scientific literature were reviewed to examine the type of study, measurement techniques, analytical scales, variables considered, and forms of result expression. The results show that these methodologies can be grouped into three main approaches: top-down models based on aggregated data, self-reporting methods, and direct measurement techniques. A total of seven methodologies developed by international organizations were identified. Of these methodologies, three rely on estimation, one focuses exclusively on quantification, and three combine both methods. In addition, five methodologies prioritize one or two stages of the food supply chain, while only two adopt a comprehensive approach covering multiple stages. Regarding result expression, six methodologies use mass-based units, three incorporate economic indicators, and two consider nutritional variables. Four main analytical approaches were identified: environmental, social, economic, and nutritional. These methodological differences directly influence the definition of targets, intervention strategies, and monitoring mechanisms, thereby conditioning how food systems are governed. It is concluded that FLW does not constitute merely a technical measurement challenge, but rather a central field of governance within the global food system. Advancing toward integrated, comparable, and context-adaptable methodological frameworks is essential to strengthen public policies, improve decision-making processes, and align international sustainability agendas.

Título do Evento: 16th World Congress of Rural Sociology and 64th Congress of the Brazilian Society of Rural Economics, Management and Sociology
Cidade do Evento: Porto Alegre
Título dos Anais do Evento: Anais do 64º Congresso da SOBER e XVI Congresso Mundial de Sociologia Rural (IRSA)
Nome da Editora: Even3
Meio de Divulgação: Meio Digital
DOI

Como citar

MATUS, Eder Joaquin Rodriguez et al.. GOVERNING FOOD LOSS AND WASTE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF GLOBAL MEASUREMENT METHODOLOGIES.. In: Anais do 64º Congresso da SOBER e XVI Congresso Mundial de Sociologia Rural (IRSA). Anais...Porto Alegre(RS) UFRGS, 2026. Disponível em: https//www.even3.com.br/anais/sober-irsa2026/1441759-GOVERNING-FOOD-LOSS-AND-WASTE--A-COMPARATIVE-ANALYSIS-OF-GLOBAL-MEASUREMENT-METHODOLOGIES. Acesso em: 22/09/2026