Focus Group Discussions on Food Waste: An Empirical Application Providing Insights into Rural and Urban Households in Greece

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the utility of the focus group discussions (FGDs) methodology in the scientific exploration of food waste. The main objective is to show how FGDs can be designed and implemented by collecting data on household food waste (HFW). The paper provides an empirical application of FGDs to members of urban and rural households in Greece through 10 steps. It is qualitative research that was implemented as a supplement in the framework of a large-scale study on HFW, providing an in-depth interpretation of the statistical results that were arrived at. The research shows that FGDs are an effective data collection methodology that reveals insights into HFW through interactions and complex behaviors. Further, the methodology used gives the opportunity to bring information to the fore. The role of women in relation to food-related responsibilities in the Greek household and the impact of rural experiences on HFW composition constitute two topics under exploration. A detailed understanding of HFW examined through the FGDs methodology enriches the global bibliography, mainly for the case of Greece. In addition, useful information is provided to local and governmental bodies, enabling them to collaborate with academics and experts in food waste management. There is a willingness among household members to raise their awareness of HFW reduction and prevention.