Tunisia Leads Maghreb Countries in Food Waste, According to UN Environment Programme
Tunisia now tops the Maghreb region for food waste, with an average 172 kg per person per year—equating to an estimated two million tonnes nationally. This places the country second in the Arab world after Egypt, according to the 2024 Food Waste Index published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
Most Discarded Foods
- Bread
- Cereal products
- Vegetables
The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) warns that this pattern poses a major challenge to national food‑security.
Global Context
- Food waste accounts for 10 % of global greenhouse‑gas emissions (WWF, North Africa).
- Each discarded item represents more than an economic loss; it triggers a cascade of wasted natural resources—water, energy, and agricultural land—throughout the production chain.
- When food waste ends up in landfills, its decomposition releases methane, a potent greenhouse gas, adding a direct climate impact.
Why Reducing Food Waste Matters
The WWF stresses that cutting food waste is “a fundamental step for climate protection.”
Recommended Simple Measures
- Better meal planning – avoid over‑preparing or buying more than needed.
- More mindful shopping – purchase quantities that match actual consumption.
- Valorisation of surplus food – donate or repurpose excess produce before it spoils.
- Support organic‑waste recycling initiatives – composting and biogas projects turn waste into resources.
Implications for Tunisia
Implementing these actions could turn a environmental challenge into an opportunity for Tunisia to:
- Strengthen food‑system resilience
- Boost compliance with international climate commitments
By tackling food waste, Tunisia can simultaneously protect its climate, conserve scarce resources, and enhance national food security.
