Abstract
Fruit and vegetable waste (FVW) poses environmental, economic,
and public health challenges, particularly in urban African contexts where
formal and informal retail coexist. This study aimed to determine and describe
FVW awareness and management among retailers in the City of Johannesburg
Metropolitan Municipality Region F, and to interpret the findings through the
Social Ecological Model (SEM).
Methods: A quantitative survey was conducted with 118 informal and 43 formal
retailers, collecting data on socio-demographics, awareness, practices, and influencing
factors. Chi-square tests examined associations between demographics
and awareness.
Results: Informal retailers had basic FVW knowledge but poor recognition of
FVW as a global concern and a strong disposal-only mindset. Formal retailers
showed higher awareness yet shared the disposal misconception. Infrastructure
access was absent for informal traders, and government support was low for both
sectors. Chi-square tests showed that age, gender, and education significantly
influenced informal retailers’ awareness, whereas no socio-demographic factor
affected formal retailers’ awareness.
Discussion: Applying the SEM demonstrated compounded multi-level barriers
for informal retailers and organizational strengths with persistent gaps for formal
traders. Achieving effective FVW management requires integrated interventions
across intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, community, and policy levels,
moving beyond a disposal-centric approach.