Food loss in fish supply chains: consequences for achieving SDGs on public health and nutrition in Ghana and Tanzania

Globally 2.4 billion people are affected by food insecurity. Reducing food loss and waste (FLW) is critical to improve food security, nutrition and health particularly in low-income populations. This chapter provides case studies in fish supply chains in Ghana and Tanzania and sets out strategies for FLW reduction. The evidence points to a need to focus not only on increasing food production, but also on reducing FLW of existing resources and especially of nutrient-rich foods. While large-scale infrastructure developments can contribute to meeting basic human needs, improve access to markets and storage and thus reduce FLW for some, they remain unaffordable to small-scale producers. A better understanding of the needs of small-scale food producers, such as small-scale fishers who account for 90% of fishers globally, is required to maximize synergies to meet SDG targets 1, 2, 3, and 12 on poverty, hunger, health, and responsible consumption and production.