Understanding Surplus Food Redistribution within Contemporary Food Systems
A parallel case study of surplus food redistribution systems in Nigeria and the United Kingdom
This doctoral research situates surplus food redistribution within today's food systems, exploring how redistribution systems generate social, economic, and environmental value across contrasting governance and infrastructural contexts.
Using a parallel comparative case study design, the project analyses redistribution systems operating in Nigeria and the United Kingdom to explore how institutional structures, organisational practices, and cultural environments influence value creation.
The study contributes to ongoing debates on food insecurity, waste reduction, sustainability transitions, and governance within contemporary food systems, providing valuable insights for policymakers, civil society organisations, and practitioners.
This website serves as a public- facing research hub, providing information on the project, the methods used, and selected outputs as the study progresses.
What The Research Examines
Social value
Food access, dignity, community support, volunteering, and local engagement within redistribution systems.
Economic value
Cost savings, organisational value, skills development, and employability outcomes for stakeholders
Environmental value
Food waste reduction, resource efficiency, and environmental benefits associated with redistribution
Case Context
Nigeria (LFBI - holistic case)
Community-embedded redistribution shaped by infrastructure and governance conditions
UK (FareShare North West -embedded case)
Infrastructure-led redistribution operating within formal charity and food safety systems
Why This Research
Surplus food redistribution sits at the intersection of food security, sustainability and governance. This research closely examines the approaches adopted in Nigeria and the United Kingdom, exploring how the redistribution of surplus food can generate social, economic, and environmental benefits across various food system contexts.