COVID-19 lockdown impact on Tunisian consumer behaviors and awareness related to food consumption and wastage during celebrations: Case of study “Ramadan month”

Abstract

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic deeply marked 2020 at different scales: socially, economically, and environmentally. Accordingly, several changes were observed at these different scales. Aims: This study aimed to highlight changes induced by COVID-19 lockdown on consumer behaviors and awareness related to food consumption and wastage during a celebration period, Ramadan in Tunisia. Methodology: An online survey on 317 respondents (71.6% women and 28.4% men) was carried out during the first 15 days of Ramadan season and was focused on demographic data, awareness and attitudes toward food waste, food purchase and consumption habits. Results: Although the COVID-19 has impaired the construction of Iftar menus, 53.9% of respondents have kept preparing, overcooking and consuming traditional meals. Interestingly about 66% claimed decreasing food waste this year. Conclusion: Results of this study have clearly established that time of crisis has led to virtuous consumers’ behaviors and attitudes, in place of consumerist practices, during Ramadan celebration season. Keywords: COVID-19 Lockdown, Ramadan, consumer’s behavior, leftover, food waste.