WASTED DA’AM: EVALUATING THE IMPACT OF FOOD WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES ON THE ENVIRONMENT IN HOTELS IN QATAR

Abstract

Globally, reports show that about 1.3 billion tons of food is wasted annually in almost all countries across the world. Reducing food waste is at the core of the 2030 National Vision of Qatar (QNV 2030) and food security in Qatar. This thesis examines the impact of food waste management strategies on the environment in hotels in Qatar, utilizing a difference-in-differences regression analysis and in-depth interviews with executive chefs in 5-star hotels in Lusail and Msheireb, Qatar. The research examines how perceived behaviors, culture, social and economic status, and technological efficiency influence food waste in Qatar. Specifically, the study examines how adopting biodigesters has helped trap the volume of methane and convert food waste into water plants in intervention hotels and reduced an estimated 45kg of methane emissions every 3 months. Interestingly, the result showed that for every decrease in the number of guests, methane decreased by 0.009 kilograms, and the absence of technological efficiency increased methane by 3.30kg. The study found that reduction strategies at source do not influence methane reduction and concluded that reduction strategies depend on the quality of the implementation, which is more likely to influence methane emissions across the food waste cycle due to other factors unique to each hotel. The thesis underscores the complex interplay between perceived behavioral insights and technological efficiency in managing hotel food waste. The research contributes academic literature and practical application of structured food waste management practices in hotels. There is a need for a context-specific solution to reduce food waste, especially during large events and the month of Ramadan. The research concludes with recommendations for policymakers on effective food waste management practices. Keywords: methane, biodigester, QNV2030, hotel food waste, Qatar National Food Security Strategy, technological efficiency.

Date of Award	2025
Original language	American English
Awarding Institution	HBKU College of Public Policy