Mapping the Nexus between Food Wastage, Food Security, Environmental Sustainability and Economic Growth: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

Food wastage is a critical global challenge adversely impacting food security, environmental sustainability, and economic development. Despite growing academic interest, research integrating these interconnected dimensions remains fragmented. Therefore, this study systematically maps the intellectual structure and evolving trends of this multidimensional nexus. Adopting a systematic literature review approach guided by the PRISMA framework, 120 peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 and 2024 were selected and analyzed using VOSviewer software. Bibliometric techniques were applied to evaluate keyword co-occurrence, citation patterns, journal sources, and geographical contributions. The analysis reveals three primary research streams: the interplay between food loss and food security, the environmental footprints of food wastage, and the implications for economic growth and resource efficiency. Findings underscore a distinct scholarly shift toward circular economy models and sustainable supply chain management. Furthermore, the results highlight the urgent need for integrated policy frameworks that simultaneously address consumer behavior, post-harvest losses, and resource utilization to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Ultimately, this study provides a comprehensive overview of the sustainable food systems landscape, bridging theory and practice while identifying interdisciplinary gaps to guide future research.