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

Hanen Ben Ismail (1) , Sarra Jribi (2) , Darine Doggui (3) , Hajer Debbabi (4)
(1) Department of Agri-Food Industries, National Institute of Agronomy of Tunisia (INAT), UR17AGR01, University of Carthage, Tunis. Faculty of Mathematical, Physical and Natural Sciences of Tunis, LR11ES09, University Tunis El Manar, Tunis , Tunisia
(2) Department of Agri-Food Industries, National Institute of Agronomy of Tunisia (INAT), UR17AGR01, University of Carthage, Tunis , Tunisia
(3) National Institute for Consumption (INC), Tunis , Tunisia
(4) Department of Agri-Food Industries, National Institute of Agronomy of Tunisia (INAT), UR17AGR01, University of Carthage, Tunis , Tunisia

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.

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Authors

Hanen Ben Ismail
Sarra Jribi
sarra.jribi@gmail.com (Primary Contact)
Darine Doggui
Hajer Debbabi
Ben Ismail, H. ., Jribi, S., Doggui, D., & Debbabi, H. (2022). COVID-19 lockdown impact on Tunisian consumer behaviors and awareness related to food consumption and wastage during celebrations: Case of study “Ramadan month”. The North African Journal of Food and Nutrition Research, 6(13), 46–54. https://doi.org/10.51745/najfnr.6.13.46-54

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