Limitations in availability of food in Ukraine as a result of loss and waste

Abstract

Research background: The commitment to increasing the volume of agricultural production remains the main strategy for food supply in Ukraine. In fact, such an approach does not solve the problem of the limitation of food’s physical availability. It works quite the opposite way, as there is a guaranteed food loss and waste, worsened environmental situation and decreased level of economic availability of food.
 Purpose of the article: According to the results of the empirical study, the volume of food shortages has been determined as a result of food loss and waste, food surpluses in case of compliance with the rational consumption norms and zero food loss and waste, as well as potential social benefits from reducing food loss and waste.
 Methods: The research of the limitation of the physical availability of the different types of products as a result of food loss and waste was carried out according to the methodology developed by the authors. In particular, for the group of products in which the consumption deficit is established in a small number of regions — the main indicator is the "production surplus in the conditions when the rational consumption norms and zero food loss are met"; for the group of products in which the consumption deficit is established in the vast majority of regions — the main calculation indicators are the "production shortage in the conditions when the rational consumption norms and zero food loss are met" and the "specific gravity of the consumption shortage, which occurs as a result of food loss and waste".
 Findings & Value added: The obtained results are crucially important for shaping of the food security policy. Reducing of the food loss and waste has positive social consequences through the expansion of the physical availability of food, which, under other conditions, leads to greater economic availability of products, as well as contributes to the gender equality and poverty reduction for rural residents.

Monitoring of Food Security at Regional Level

“…At the same time, the comparison of these indicators reflects the economic availability of products and the degree of satisfaction of human needs in the nutrition. Another important criterion for the sustainability of the food system is the physical availability of food in a certain territory and its storage in places that provide the required level of product quality (Kotykova, 2019).…”

The impact of EU’s financial support on the agriculture’s development: a panel data analysis

“…Governments, industry, agriculture and the economy as a whole (macro-environment) (Virglerova et al, 2020). Food security is the responsibility of every state, it is part of every state's security and global security (Kotykova & Babych, 2019). Swinnen (2015) concluded that the CAP "increased flexibility in the implementation of the policies and the allocation of funds, and relatively minor changes in environmental and market regulations."…”

Agricultural Diversification in Low- And Middle-Income Countries: Impact on Food Security

“…Low-and middle-income developing countries rich in natural resources often face the problem of low consumption of agricultural products due to low production diversification and the abundance of imported or cheaper substitutes in the domestic market that are in high demand. Most often this can be explained by the desire of poor developing countries to integrate into the global trade in order to promote their national products (Kotykova and Babych, 2019). It is not always possible to fully realize export ambitions, since to enter, for example, European or North American markets, it is necessary to break through significant barriers related to high quality, compliance with environmental regulations and standards and food safety (Szczepaniak, 2018).…”