The City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality as a Microcosm of Urban Fruit and Vegetable Waste Governance Failure in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: Evidence from Formal and Informal Retailers

Abstract

Fruit and vegetable waste (FVW) has become a major sustainability concern due to rapid urbanization and rising demand for fresh produce in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), creating significant environmental and governance challenges in urban food systems. This study investigates FVW governance by assessing awareness levels and examining FVW management practices among formal and informal fruit and vegetable retailers in Region F of the City of Johannesburg Metropolitan Municipality (COJMM). A quantitative, descriptive design was employed. Data were collected using structured questionnaires that assessed demographic details, awareness of FVW, and current FVW management practices, and analysed using descriptive statistics in SPSS version 30.0. The findings revealed fragmented governance across retail sectors, characterized by limited awareness of municipal waste management by-laws, consistent dependence on disposal-centred practices, and a lack of adoption of FVW valorization strategies. Formal retailers displayed higher awareness, with access to FVW minimization training, but still mainly relied on disposal, whereas informal retailers displayed significant gaps in awareness and FVW training. The study concludes that unsustainable FVW management is mainly influenced by structural governance limitations, emphasizing the need for inclusive and integrated approaches to improve urban FVW governance in LMIC.