The role of strategic multi-stakeholder partnerships in reducing food loss and waste in South Africa

Abstract

Food loss and waste is a wicked problem (a problem with no single solution). This problem is addressed by Sustainable Development Goal 12. Solving this wicked problem in South Africa requires the collaboration of a variety of stakeholders, all with their own organisational interests. Therefore, multistakeholder partnerships (MSP) are imperative to the achievement of SDG 12.3, which focuses on the reduction of food waste. This qualitative case study unpacks the necessity for the use of multi-stakeholder partnerships (SDG 17) in achieving SDG 12.3. The South African Food Loss and Waste Voluntary Agreement (SAFLWVA) is the multi-stakeholder partnership being studied in this article. MSPs cannot be effective without strategic communication. Therefore, the barriers and enablers of strategic communication within a multi-stakeholder partnership of this nature are explored. The study was conducted in South Africa with stakeholders involved with the SAFLWVA. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 15 participants. The findings indicate that strategic communication is one of the pillars of a successful MSP. Additionally, the following enablers for successful communication in MSPs were identified: trust, information sharing, education about benefits, receiving value, and gaining ownership. The study contributes to the understanding of communication barriers and enablers within MSPs.