Food waste behavior among Generation Z has a significant impact on efforts to strengthen food security, underscoring the need for education, stronger social norms, and behavioral control to promote sustainable consumption. These findings were presented in the doctoral dissertation of Shinta Dewi Novitasari, a doctoral candidate in National Security Studies at the UGM Graduate School (SPs UGM).
In her dissertation titled “The Impact of Generation Z Food Waste Behavior Based on Rice Consumption on Food Security in Bantul Regency”, Novitasari found that rice remains the staple food among Gen Z, aged 13–28.
However, weak portion control often leads to leftover food and poor management of food waste.
“Food waste among the younger generation affects the effective use of food resources,” she explained during her closed doctoral examination on Friday (Sep. 19).
Based on her findings, Novitasari recommended several solutions to reduce food waste.
These include integrating food literacy into school curricula, launching campaigns through social media, strengthening community-based food banks at the neighborhood level, and other community-driven initiatives.
She further developed a framework for food waste reduction through mitigation and navigation strategies.
According to Novitasari, mitigation focuses on short-term measures such as education and campaigns, while navigation emphasizes long-term shifts like regional policies.
“Behavioral interventions are crucial, particularly in strengthening behavioral control among Generation Z, which should be a policy priority for local governments that need to adapt to the dynamic and digital nature of the younger generation,” she emphasized.
Novitasari also highlighted that food security should not only be viewed from the perspective of production and distribution but must also consider consumption behavior, including food waste management.
“Generation Z holds great potential to drive sustainable consumption,” she concluded.
Her dissertation also introduced the Behavioral-Based Food Security Model, which posits that Gen Z behavior is a key determinant of food security.
Practically, this model can guide local governments in designing evidence-based policies while emphasizing the critical role of youth participation in addressing future food security challenges.
Beyond her dissertation, Novitasari successfully published an article in a Scopus Q3-indexed international journal, Food Research, titled “The Effect of Food Waste Behavior among Generation Z on Sustainable Food Security.”
The closed doctoral examination was chaired by Professor Siti Malkhamah, Dean of SPs UGM. The supervisory team included Professor Djagal Wiseso Marseno and Dr. Didik Purwadi. The examiners were Dr. Sudrajat, Professor Jamhari, Professor Armaidy Armawi, and Professor Edy Suandi Hamid.
Author: Hanifah
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Rajendra Arya
Photographs: Shinta Dewi Novitasari & Freepik