Understanding Household Food Waste Behaviour: Typologies, Barriers, and Intervention Needs in Urban Nigeria

Abstract

Aims: To evaluate household food‑waste behaviours in urban Oyo State, identify predictors of high waste (≥500 g/week), and assess the effectiveness of a community‑based campaign intervention. Study Design: Cross‑sectional survey combined with a community‑based campaign intervention. Place and Duration of Study: Urban communities in Oyo State (Atiba, Afijio, Oyo West and Oyo East LGAs), Nigeria, between May 2025 and December 2025. Methodology: A stratified random sample of 324 households was selected, of which 255 completed the survey (78.7% response rate). Data were analysed using paired statistical tests, binary logistic regression, k‑means cluster analysis, and chi‑square tests. Results: The campaign did not significantly increase the overall number of food‑waste reduction behaviours. Small improvements were observed in composting and food donation, while meal planning declined significantly. Logistic regression showed that larger household size and low confidence in food‑storage practices strongly predicted high food waste, whereas motivation to reduce waste was protective. Cluster analysis identified three household typologies: “Unaware and Wasteful,” “Aware but Ineffective,” and “Motivated and Effective.” Key barriers included poor storage knowledge, lack of planning, and limited community support structures. Conclusion: One‑off campaigns may raise awareness but rarely produce sustained behavioural change without reinforcement, practical skill‑building, and tailored interventions. The findings provide evidence‑based insights for designing targeted, culturally relevant strategies to reduce household food waste in sub‑Saharan Africa, with implications for policy, community programming, and municipal waste‑management planning.