Exploring food waste in universities: A case study of the University of Victoria and the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology

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dc.contributor.authorWuntah, John
dc.contributor.supervisorGutberlet, Jutta
dc.date.accessioned2025-04-25T22:55:55Z
dc.date.available2025-04-25T22:55:55Z
dc.date.issued2025
dc.degree.departmentDepartment of Geography
dc.degree.levelMaster of Arts MA
dc.description.abstractThis thesis explores the socio-cultural and systemic drivers of food waste among university students at the University of Victoria (UVic) in Canada and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology (JOOUST) in Kenya. Drawing on Social Practice Theory (SPT) and Political Ecology (PE) theoretical frameworks, the research investigates how cultural norms, institutional policies, and infrastructural factors contribute to food waste in these academic environments. Using a combination of focus groups, photo narratives, and semi-structured interviews with students, faculty, and food service personnel, the findings reveal that food waste is shaped by large portion sizes, dissatisfaction with taste, limited storage options, and social and cultural norms. At UVic, the rigid meal plan system promotes over-serving, while JOOUST’s pay-as-you-eat system, though seemingly fairer, carries the risk of over-purchasing, influenced by communal dining practices. The study emphasizes that addressing food waste in higher education institutions requires a holistic approach that goes beyond individual behaviors to consider the broader cultural and systemic factors at play. By recognizing the influence of both student practices and institutional constraints, this thesis highlights the need for targeted, context-specific interventions to foster sustainable food consumption and waste reduction on university campuses.
dc.description.scholarlevelGraduate
dc.identifier.bibliographicCitationWuntah, J. M., & Gutberlet, J. (2024). Reducing food waste: Insights from students at the University of Victoria and Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology [Grassroots Innovations from Youth]. Detritus, 29, V–IX. https://doi.org/10.31025/2611-4135/2024.19449
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/1828/22020
dc.languageEnglisheng
dc.language.isoen
dc.rightsAvailable to the World Wide Web
dc.subjectfood waste
dc.subjectuniversity students
dc.subjectcultural norms
dc.subjectinstitutional policies
dc.subjectsocial practice theory
dc.subjectpolitical ecology
dc.subjectcampus dining
dc.subjectsustainability
dc.titleExploring food waste in universities: A case study of the University of Victoria and the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
dc.typeThesis

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