Food loss and waste in maize in Mozambique and its economic impacts: a system dynamics assessment approach

Abstract

Food loss and waste are of global concern. In developing countries like Mozambique, it seems to be a major issue at the upstream end of supply chains, which is also regarded as postharvest losses (PHL). In this study, PHL is analysed in the context of maize in Mozambique, which is the most important crop in that country. The analysis focuses on empirically testing a simulation modelling approach for determining the short and mid-run economic impacts of PHL. A system dynamics model is applied. This model acknowledges climate, management, and domestic and regional marketing related factors as major drivers of PHL. A novel result from this study suggests climate related factors as the cause of ..