2023

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14 pages, 983 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Meanings of Food Sustainability: An Interpretive Phenomenological Analysis

by Claudia Troncoso-Pantoja, Paola Cáceres-Rodríguez, Antonio Amaya-Placencia, Claudia Lataste-Quintana and Rodrigo Valenzuela

Sustainability 2023, 15(18), 13548; https://doi.org/10.3390/su151813548 - 11 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 757

Abstract

Sustainable food combines nutritional, environmental, economic, and social aspects. Considering the need to recognize the Chilean reality in this matter, this study proposes to interpret the meanings that food professionals give to food sustainability, based on the question: What meanings do food and [...] Read more.

Sustainable food combines nutritional, environmental, economic, and social aspects. Considering the need to recognize the Chilean reality in this matter, this study proposes to interpret the meanings that food professionals give to food sustainability, based on the question: What meanings do food and nutrition professionals give to the relevance and measurement of food sustainability in their professional work? To answer this question, qualitative research was carried out using the interpretative paradigm of exploratory scope. Semi-structured interviews were conducted, and their responses were analyzed using the content-analysis technique. The results indicate that environmental care is valued in accordance with the local regulations in force. Despite this valuation, its implementation has been complex in developing countries, due to economic aspects and political will. Sustainable culinary preparation is identified, building a definition based on ecology and local identity, highlighting the use of natural foods. In addition, there is a need to standardize the indicators for its measurement and to reinforce communication strategies to improve its knowledge. In conclusion, for professionals in the gastronomic and nutritional areas, the sustainability of food and culinary preparation requires a comprehensive, integrated vision of the different factors, depending on the user and the entities that provide food services. Full article

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21 pages, 2210 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Food Price Bubbles: Food Price Indices of Turkey, the FAO, the OECD, and the IMF

by Kübra Akyol Özcan

Sustainability 2023, 15(13), 9947; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15139947 - 22 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1268

Abstract

Food price bubbles are a phenomenon in which the cost of some food items or food commodities climbs quickly and unreasonably before collapsing due to reasons such as speculation, supply and demand imbalances, meteorological occurrences, and governmental actions. Governments and academics keep an [...] Read more.

Food price bubbles are a phenomenon in which the cost of some food items or food commodities climbs quickly and unreasonably before collapsing due to reasons such as speculation, supply and demand imbalances, meteorological occurrences, and governmental actions. Governments and academics keep an eye on food prices to spot and address these bubbles. The aim of this paper is to analyze the food price bubble phenomenon despite the global slowdown by examining its origins, consequences, and policy solutions. The study’s contribution lies in its investigation of the presence of a potential bubble formation in food prices, which have experienced a surge globally and particularly in Turkey in recent years. The research examines the behavior of bubble formation in food prices in Turkey, the FAO, the OECD, and the IMF between 1992 and 2022 using the ADF, SADF, and GSADF tests. These tests can help identify when asset prices deviate significantly from their fundamental values and may be at risk of a sharp correction. The TUR, FAO, OECD, and IMF variables all show distinct bubble formations, with the TUR variable having 130 periods from 1995 to 2006, the FAO having 8 price bubble occurrences, the OECD having 12 different bubble formations, and the IMF having 4 distinct bubble formations. The results indicate the existence of food price bubbles that demonstrate disparities from their inherent values grounded in market fundamentals. Full article

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22 pages, 2981 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Canadian Consumers’ Perceptions of Sustainability of Food Innovations

by Rim Lassoued, Janet Music, Sylvain Charlebois and Stuart J. Smyth

Sustainability 2023, 15(8), 6431; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15086431 - 10 Apr 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3541

Abstract

Educated consumer food choices not only enhance personal health but can also contribute to environmental, economic, and social well-being, as well as food sustainability. This exploratory study examines Canadian consumers’ perceptions of sustainable and innovative food, along with their sources of information. It [...] Read more.

Educated consumer food choices not only enhance personal health but can also contribute to environmental, economic, and social well-being, as well as food sustainability. This exploratory study examines Canadian consumers’ perceptions of sustainable and innovative food, along with their sources of information. It uses nationwide survey data and statistical tests (chi-square and Kruskal–Wallis tests) to test differences between different demographic groups. Results show that consumers refer mostly to the ecological aspect of food sustainability in their perceptions and food-buying behavior. Web-based information was a widely consulted source of information about food-related sustainability and innovation, although it ranked low among consumers in terms of trust level. The most trusted sources of information about food sustainability and innovation were mainly institutional—medical professionals and university scientists. Survey results also demonstrate that perceptions of sustainability and trust in sources of information varied in different socio-demographic segments. The current insights can be used to guide policymakers in making informed guidelines and recommendations to inform Canadian consumers about sustainable food-consumption practices. Full article

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13 pages, 544 KiB

Open AccessReview

Rabbit Meat—Production, Consumption and Consumers’ Attitudes and Behavior

by Shahida Anusha Siddiqui, Francesca Gerini, Ali Ikram, Farhan Saeed, Xi Feng and Yanping Chen

Sustainability 2023, 15(3), 2008; https://doi.org/10.3390/su15032008 - 20 Jan 2023

Cited by 16 | Viewed by 9982

Abstract

Rabbit meat could play an important role in health, the rural economy, and sustainable development. Rabbit meat has excellent nutritional features, such as high protein content, low-fat content, and a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, low cholesterol and sodium levels. In addition, [...] Read more.

Rabbit meat could play an important role in health, the rural economy, and sustainable development. Rabbit meat has excellent nutritional features, such as high protein content, low-fat content, and a high percentage of unsaturated fatty acids, low cholesterol and sodium levels. In addition, rabbit meat production contributes to maintaining economic activities in rural marginal areas. However, the consumption of rabbit meat is still limited due to several factors such as the higher cost of commercial food that is slowing down rabbits’ breeding. Socio-demographic characteristics, attitudes, and nationality of consumers influence the demand and consumption of rabbit meat. The social and economic changes of the past years are leading to an increased interest in rabbit meat products with convenience characteristics. Consumers are also increasingly paying attention to animal husbandry methods for health concerns and ethical reasons. This paper presents an overview of rabbit meat focusing on production, nutritional composition, consumers’ preferences, and marketing. The review proposes strategies that, coupled with information campaigns could improve consumers’ knowledge of the positive characteristics of rabbit meat, which would contribute to the market development. Full article

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2022

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13 pages, 1133 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Which Food Outlets Are Important for Nutrient-Dense-Porridge-Flour Access by the Base-of-the-Pyramid Consumers? Evidence from the Informal Kenyan Settlements

by Kevin Kipkemei Koech, Christine G. Kiria Chege and Hillary Bett

Sustainability 2022, 14(19), 12264; https://doi.org/10.3390/su141912264 - 27 Sep 2022

Viewed by 1490

Abstract

Many Kenyan base-of-the-pyramid (BoP) consumers—defined as the poorest two-thirds of the economic human pyramid—remain food insecure, despite the availability of nutrient-dense foods in the market. This study reveals how effective marketing strategies can strengthen food security among BoP consumers through increased access to [...] Read more.

Many Kenyan base-of-the-pyramid (BoP) consumers—defined as the poorest two-thirds of the economic human pyramid—remain food insecure, despite the availability of nutrient-dense foods in the market. This study reveals how effective marketing strategies can strengthen food security among BoP consumers through increased access to nutritious foods such as nutrient-dense porridge flour. Nutrient-dense porridge flour refers to a multi-composite porridge flour composed of diverse nutritious ingredients that are necessary to achieve a healthy diet. The main objective of the study was to determine the most effective channel for making nutrient-dense porridge flour available to BoP consumers. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey in Kawangware, Nairobi County, using a multistage sampling design and a sample size of 603, via structured questionnaires. A multivariate Probit (MV-Probit) model was used to analyze the most effective channel for providing nutrient-dense flour to BoP consumers. The study results show that the most common outlets used to access this flour were supermarkets (51.08%), followed by cereal stores (25.54%). According to previous studies, using appropriate marketing strategies leads to increases in the uptake and consumption of nutritious products in informal urban settlements among developing countries. Consequently, policies and interventions targeting BoP consumption of nutritious products toward reducing food and nutrition insecurity in informal urban settlements should be based on appropriate marketing strategies that consider the institutional factors and significant household characteristics of the BoP communities. Full article

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19 pages, 2546 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of Consuming Habits on Organic Food—Is It the Same? Hungary Versus China

by Yue Wu and Katalin Takács-György

Sustainability 2022, 14(13), 7800; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14137800 - 27 Jun 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2088

Abstract

Organic food, a name for healthy food and sustainable or green food consumption, has become popular worldwide. Especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for healthy food is increasing worldwide. In order to better understand consumer behavior toward organic food between different [...] Read more.

Organic food, a name for healthy food and sustainable or green food consumption, has become popular worldwide. Especially due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for healthy food is increasing worldwide. In order to better understand consumer behavior toward organic food between different countries in different adoption stages of organic food and provide valuable information for industrial practitioners and researchers. We conducted a comparative study between Hungary and China. The organic food market is well developed in Hungary, while the market is starting to be popular in China. What factors can affect consumers buying organic food in Hungary and China? And what can be an efficient marketing tool for consumers to buy organic food in Hungary and China? The English and Chinese version surveys were conducted from 374 Chinese respondents and 207 Hungarian respondents by convenient sampling methods from March 2021 to April 2021, and the data were analyzed by SPSS software for correlation analysis. The statistical analysis results concluded that personal characteristics influence consumer behavior in Hungary and China, such as age, education level, occupation, living area scale, income, and gender. The dominant reason for Hungarian and Chinese respondents to buy organic food is food safety and health and environmentally friendly. And the reason for them to refuse organic food purchases is the high price, which is different from the previous study in Hungary. The most welcomed organic food product is organic fruits and organic vegetables in Hungary and China. The most efficient marketing tool for them to buy organic food is social media. And different marketing tools combination varies in Hungary and China. Hungarian respondents are more willing to buy organic food, while Chinese respondents are happier to recommend organic food to other consumers. Full article

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17 pages, 2466 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Quantifying Food Waste in the Hospitality Sector and Exploring Its Underlying Reasons—A Case Study of Lahore, Pakistan

by Nouman Afzal, Abdul Basit, Adil Daniel, Nausheen Ilyas, Asad Imran, Zoia Arshad Awan, Effie Papargyropoulou, Lindsay C. Stringer, Mohamed Hashem, Saad Alamri, Muhammad Amjad Bashir, Yunzhou Li and Nazish Roy

Sustainability 2022, 14(11), 6914; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14116914 - 06 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4526

Abstract

Given that about 40% of the total food produced globally is lost or wasted, there is an urgent need to understand what, where, why and how much food waste is generated. In this study, we collected the much-needed primary empirical data from the [...] Read more.

Given that about 40% of the total food produced globally is lost or wasted, there is an urgent need to understand what, where, why and how much food waste is generated. In this study, we collected the much-needed primary empirical data from the restaurants, hotels and caterers of Lahore, Pakistan through surveys and live tracking/diaries. Specifically, two key performance indicators, waste per customer (g) and percentage waste per day (%), were measured. Waste per customer was found to be 79.9 g (survey) and 73.4 g (live tracking) for restaurants, 138.4 g for hotels and 140.0 g for caterers. Similarly, the percentage of waste per day (%) was found to be 15% (survey) and 17% (live tracking) for restaurants. Results revealed that customer plate leftovers were reported to be the primary source of food waste, followed by inaccurate customer forecasting. Given the food waste levels identified in this study, the development and adoption of a national goal and target aimed at food waste reduction could usefully guide the efforts of all stakeholders. To achieve this, we need to build the capacity of all the relevant stakeholders on food loss and waste measurements and ensure national food waste reporting. Full article

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20 pages, 1374 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multicriteria Model of Support for the Selection of Pear Varieties in Raising Orchards in the Semberija Region (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

by Miroslav Nedeljković, Adis Puška, Radmila Suzić and Aleksandar Maksimović

Sustainability 2022, 14(3), 1584; https://doi.org/10.3390/su14031584 - 29 Jan 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1333

Abstract

Bosnia and Herzegovina (abbreviated BiH) has great potential for fruit production. BiH has over 1.5 million hectares of agricultural land. In addition, there are excellent climatic conditions for growing fruit. However, although there is a long tradition of fruit production in BiH, this [...] Read more.

Bosnia and Herzegovina (abbreviated BiH) has great potential for fruit production. BiH has over 1.5 million hectares of agricultural land. In addition, there are excellent climatic conditions for growing fruit. However, although there is a long tradition of fruit production in BiH, this production must be improved. This paper provides guidance on making decisions in fruit growing when there are multiple criteria. All criteria are divided into two groups: economic and technical criteria. The economic criteria are further divided into three subcriteria, namely: marketing costs, orchard construction costs and processing and transport costs. Technical criteria are divided into four subcriteria, namely: fruit, variety resistance, production characteristics and processing and transport. According to these, a multicriteria decision-making model based on linguistic values was created. In order to take advantage of these values, a fuzzy approach was applied. Using this approach, decision-making process is easier because decision making is tailored to human thinking. For the example of raising a new orchard in the area of Semberija, an evaluation of seven different varieties of pears was performed. This problem is solved by applying the method of multicriteria analysis (MCDA). To solve this research problem, the MABAC (Multi-attributive border approximation area comparison) method was used. Using the fuzzy MABAC method, the obtained results show that the Šampionka variety has the best indicators among observed varieties. In addition, the Konferans variety achieved good results, and these two varieties are the first choice for raising a new orchard of pears. The paper validates the results and performs sensitivity analysis. The contribution of this research is to develop a new model of decision making by using a new methodology that facilitates decision making on variety selection. This model and methodology provide a flexible way of making decisions in fruit growing. Full article

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2021

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23 pages, 2086 KiB

Open AccessArticle

“Young and Green” a Study of Consumers’ Perceptions and Reported Purchasing Behaviour towards Organic Food in Poland and the United Kingdom

by Aleksandra Kowalska, Monika Ratajczyk, Louise Manning, Milena Bieniek and Radosław Mącik

Sustainability 2021, 13(23), 13022; https://doi.org/10.3390/su132313022 - 24 Nov 2021

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 5511

Abstract

Globally, the organic food market is the most successful green market. Young consumers, the decision-makers of the future, are perceived as being more environmentally concerned than older cohorts. The aim of this study was to consider young consumers’ attitudes and behaviours concerning organic [...] Read more.

Globally, the organic food market is the most successful green market. Young consumers, the decision-makers of the future, are perceived as being more environmentally concerned than older cohorts. The aim of this study was to consider young consumers’ attitudes and behaviours concerning organic food, where the organic food market in the UK is more mature than in Poland. Empirical research was conducted using a web-based survey questionnaire (CAWI) with consumers (n = 973) in both countries. The associations between four constructs (general pro-social attitudes, green consumption values, receptivity to green communication, and buying behaviour) were considered using CB-SEM. We extended the model with two new constructs to explain young consumers’ purchases of organic food. UK respondents are significantly more conscious green consumers with higher environmental attitude intensity than Polish residents. Intensity of pro-environmental attitude components influences directly and indirectly the choice of organic food. People with a higher intensity of pro-environmental attitudes are significantly more likely to choose organic food. Perception of organic food influences purchases only in Poland. The components of pro-environmental attitudes and perception of organic food alone do not explain the variability in behaviour, despite a good fit of the model. This suggests that other independent variables may be of influence. Full article

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15 pages, 1295 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Effects of Tunnel Technology on Crop Productivity and Livelihood of Smallholder Farmers in Nepal

by Diwakar KC, Dinesh Jamarkattel, Tek Maraseni, Dilip Nandwani and Pratibha Karki

Sustainability 2021, 13(14), 7935; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13147935 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4402

Abstract

Technologies-based production practices are critical for agricultural growth and sustainable development in low-income countries like Nepal. In the last few years, tunnel house has been increasingly promoted as tools to enhance smallholder farmers’ livelihood and tackle climate adversaries. However, little is known about [...] Read more.

Technologies-based production practices are critical for agricultural growth and sustainable development in low-income countries like Nepal. In the last few years, tunnel house has been increasingly promoted as tools to enhance smallholder farmers’ livelihood and tackle climate adversaries. However, little is known about what factor determines its adoption and whether it helps smallholders adapt to climate change and experience better livelihood. We address these gaps using the cross-sectional survey data collected from 62 adopters and 92 non-adopters in three municipalities of Bagmati Province. We employed descriptive analysis and probit model and found out that age, farm size, and ethnicity strongly influence the technology adoption amongst smallholder farmers. Additionally, treatment model and ordinary least square (OLS) regression were utilized to examine tunnel technology’s effect. Our study shows that tunnel significantly increases production by 32 tons/year/hectare and protects crops from climate change effects such as heavy rainfall and temperature change. Likewise, tunnel technology increases the net crop income by $1700/year/hectare. However, the economic benefit is not substantial compared to technology’s adoption cost as adopters incur enormous costs of $12,000/year/hectare on equipment, labor and resources. These results suggest policymakers should concentrate on reducing the technology’s cost, which could be achieved through subsidies, financial support, or price control mechanisms. Ensuring technology’s affordability can contribute to smallholder farmers’ sustainable livelihood in Nepal and countries with similar contexts. Full article

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19 pages, 635 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Credit Constraint and Rural Household Welfare in the Mezam Division of the North-West Region of Cameroon

by Louis Atamja and Sungjoon Yoo

Sustainability 2021, 13(11), 5964; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13115964 - 25 May 2021

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2906

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the rural household’s head and household characteristics on credit accessibility. This study also seeks to investigate how credit constraint affects rural household welfare in the Mezam division of the North-West region of [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of the rural household’s head and household characteristics on credit accessibility. This study also seeks to investigate how credit constraint affects rural household welfare in the Mezam division of the North-West region of Cameroon. Using data from a household survey questionnaire, we found that 36.88% of the households were credit-constrained, while 63.13% were unconstrained. A probit regression model was used to examine the determinants of households’ credit access, while an endogenous switching regression model was used to analyze the impact of credit constraint on household welfare. The results from the probit regression model indicate the importance of the farmer’s or trader’s organization membership, occupation, and savings to the household’s likelihood of being credit-constrained. On the other hand, a prediction from the endogenous switching regression model confirms that households with access to credit have a better standard of welfare than a constrained household. From the results, it is necessary for the government to subsidize microfinance institutions, so that they can take on the risk of offering credit to rural households. Full article

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15 pages, 703 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ecosystem-Based Food Production: Consumers′ Preferred Practices and Willingness to Buy and Pay

by Eija Pouta, Eero Liski, Annika Tienhaara, Kauko Koikkalainen and Antti Miettinen

Sustainability 2021, 13(8), 4542; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13084542 - 19 Apr 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2132

Abstract

Ecosystem-based agricultural practices that utilize ecosystem processes aim to either reduce the negative externalities of agricultural production or increase the production of ecosystem services other than food provision. We examined consumer interest in buying and paying for food produced using ecosystem-based agricultural practices. [...] Read more.

Ecosystem-based agricultural practices that utilize ecosystem processes aim to either reduce the negative externalities of agricultural production or increase the production of ecosystem services other than food provision. We examined consumer interest in buying and paying for food produced using ecosystem-based agricultural practices. According to the results, the most preferred practices were the more efficient use of livestock manure, the use of nitrogen-fixing crops, biological pest control, and the addition of soil carbon. Having these practices as an attribute of a food product increased the interest in buying the product for 43% of consumers. Their median willingness to pay (WTP) was 20% higher than for conventional products. Using socioeconomic and attitudinal variables, a hurdle model revealed the characteristics of a consumer segment interested in ecosystem-based agricultural practices. Full article

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2020

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17 pages, 501 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Modelling Attitude towards Consumption of Vegan Products

by Isabel Miguel, Arnaldo Coelho and Cristela Maia Bairrada

Sustainability 2021, 13(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/su13010009 - 22 Dec 2020

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 13017

Abstract

This study proposes to understand the impact of personal (health awareness and social influence) and moral (environmental concerns and animal welfare) antecedents on attitudes towards veganism and their effects on engagement with vegan products, along with their impact on purchase intention and word [...] Read more.

This study proposes to understand the impact of personal (health awareness and social influence) and moral (environmental concerns and animal welfare) antecedents on attitudes towards veganism and their effects on engagement with vegan products, along with their impact on purchase intention and word of mouth. Idealism is presented as a moderator of these proposed relationships. The study uses a structured questionnaire to gather data from two cross-sectional samples of 224 Portuguese and 356 Brazilian vegans collected from Facebook groups of vegans. Structural equation modelling is used to test the seven proposed hypotheses and the moderation effects. This research compares the influence of personal and moral determinants on veganism using idealism as a specific context to investigate their relationships, comparing Brazilian and Portuguese respondents and the effects of national cultures. Results show that attitudes towards veganism do not depend on personal causes, but rather on moral concerns. Motivations to reduce animal consumption, protect nature, and respect animal life seem to be guided by ethical principles. Full article

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