Estimating water losses as a result of food waste in South Africa

Abstract

Globally there are sufficient land and water resources to produce food over the next 50 years, but only if water for agriculture is better managed (Molden, 2007). Water is a critical and strategic natural resource in South Africa. It is essential for growth and development, for food production, as well as for the health and wellbeing of people and the environment. Low levels of variable rainfall associated with high evaporation rates, due to the hot climate, results in South Africa being the 30th driest country in the world (DWA, 2012). Irrigated agriculture is the largest single use of water in South Africa (60%) while livestock watering and nature conservation combined use about 2.5% water. Water has been identified as the major limiting factor to the growth of this sector (DWA, 2012).