Multi-level barriers to fruit and vegetable waste awareness and management among retailers in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality Region F
A Social Ecological Model lens
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22066519 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Mpinane Flory Senekane (0000-0002-6156-1413, University of Johannesburg), Cavin Omphemetse Moreetsi (0009-0004-4380-4567, University of Johannesburg) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 14 |
| Publication date | 2026-07-06 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpubh.2026.1872901 |
| OpenAlex | W7167462930 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 21 |
Introduction Fruit and vegetable waste (FVW) poses environmental, economic, and public health challenges, particularly in urban African contexts where formal and informal retail coexist. This study aimed to determine and describe FVW awareness and management among retailers in the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality Region F, and to interpret the findings through the Social Ecological Model (SEM). Methods A quantitative survey was conducted with 118 informal and 43 formal retailers, collecting data on socio-demographics, awareness, practices, and influencing factors. Chi-square tests examined associations between demographics and awareness. Results Informal retailers had basic FVW knowledge but poor recognition of FVW as a global concern and a strong disposal-only mindset. Formal retailers showed higher awareness yet shared the disposal misconception. Infrastructure access was absent for informal traders, and government support was low for both sectors. Chi-square tests showed that age, gender, and education significantly influenced informal retailers’ awareness, whereas no socio-demographic factor affected formal retailers’ awareness. Discussion Applying the SEM demonstrated compounded multi-level barriers for informal retailers and organizational strengths with persistent gaps for formal traders. Achieving effective FVW management requires integrated interventions across intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels, moving beyond a disposal-centric approach
Demographics · Household waste · Informal sector · Local government · Metropolitan area · Psychological intervention · Food Waste Reduction and Sustainability · Municipal Solid Waste Management · Urban Agriculture and Sustainability
| Highly cited | No |
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