Estudo dos factores que determinam o desperdício de hortaliças e frutas no Mercado Grossista do Zimpeto

Abstract

In Mozambique, particularly at the Zimpeto Wholesale Market, vegetable and fruit waste is a worrying issue affecting traders there. Some of these products arrive at the market with low freshness and are therefore less preferred by consumers, resulting in their disposal or being fed to animals. This study aimed to evaluate the factors that determine vegetable and fruit waste at the Zimpeto Wholesale Market. A semi-structured questionnaire was used. The data obtained were subjected to descriptive statistical analysis. The study involved 125 participants of both genders, including vendors (n=63), consumers (n=60), a market administrator (n=1), and an administrator of the company responsible for garbage collection (n=1). There was a greater participation of females in the 26-35 age group (51.8%), with incomplete elementary education (grades 1-7). Tomatoes were the most abundant product, accounting for 30% of all vegetables and fruits sold at the Zimpeto Market, followed by potatoes (28.4%), onions (26.7%), and cabbage (17%), respectively; the remaining items, represented as "others," were infrequent (2.4%). Only 31.7% of vendors sold out of stock daily. The main factor associated with the rapid deterioration of vegetables and fruits was the lack of a preservation system. 75% of vendors stated that there was a lack of a refrigeration system, and 25% used rudimentary methods, such as removing the product from bags, separating them, and exposing them to the sun (onions, carrots, beets, peppers, and green beans); Avoiding wetness and staying on the ground, and placing produce in the shade and outdoors (potatoes) and in dry places (carrots and beets). To minimize product spoilage, from October to December, only 25% of respondents stated that unpurchased produce was discarded in the trash, and 8% responded that the produce was intended for animal feed. High price, low preference, low freshness, visual appearance (unfresh or apparently spoiled produce), and unpleasant odors were cited by consumers as the main causes of fruit and vegetable waste in that market. Installing a fruit and vegetable refrigeration system, as well as processing, can contribute to reducing waste in that establishment.(TRADUÇAO NOSSA)