Assessing the economic and environmental footprint of retail-level food loss: Evidence from Gauradaha Municipality, Nepal

Abstract

Food loss in vegetable markets creates economic losses and environmental pressure, especially in countries like Nepal where market infrastructure is still limited. This study examines the economic and environmental impacts of food loss in the retail vegetable market of Gauradaha Municipality, Jhapa district, Nepal. Primary data were collected from surveys of 20 vegetable vendors, supported by secondary data. The extent and causes of postharvest losses were analyzed, and economic losses were calculated using prevailing market prices. Environmental impacts were estimated using carbon and water footprint approaches based on life cycle assessment (LCA) methods. The results show that retailers experience an average economic loss of NPR 350.53 per week, representing approximately 5% of their income. Each retailer also faced an average environmental burden of 33.96 kg CO2-equivalent and a water footprint of 6,486.35 liters per week due to unsold and spoiled produce. The main causes of loss include over-ripening, loss of freshness, inadequate storage facilities, and insufficient packaging. The results suggest that practical measures such as improved storage, careful handling, and better packaging could help to reduce these losses. Reducing these inefficiencies could improve
vendor income and lower environmental impacts, showing the importance of linking economic and sustainability aspects in local market systems.