The World Trends and Patterns of Grain Loss and Waste Research and Their Implications

Abstract

Grain loss and waste (GLW) presents formidable challenges to global food security, sustainability, and efforts to combat climate change. This study delves into the evolution of GLW research themes spanning from 1996 to 2022, employing bibliographic couplings, keyword co-occurrence, and keyphrase analysis to examine 1,570 articles sourced from the Web of Science (WOS) database. Our investigation encompasses bibliometric indicators, the temporal progression of publications and citations, the impact of international collaborations among countries and institutions, influential publications, and the leading contributors on the global stage. By harnessing data from scholarly publications, this study offers a comprehensive exploration of GLW’s multifaceted dimensions, scrutinizing thematic shifts, regional variations, and the key stages of GLW from production to consumption within the food value chain. Our findings underscore the pivotal roles of technological innovations, dietary awareness, and the principles of a circular economy in curtailing GLW. As governments worldwide commit to sustainability objectives, addressing GLW emerges as a momentous opportunity for climate mitigation, enhanced food security, and the advancement of circular economy practices. This research contributes valuable insights for guiding future endeavors aimed at minimizing GLW within the food value chain.