Valoración Cuantitativa de la Pérdida y Desperdicio de Alimentos en uno de los Mercados Municipales del Distrito Metropolitano de Quito(El Mercado de Cotocollao) : Generar datos de la pérdida y desperdicio del plátano y sus variedades dentro del mercado de Cotocollao

Abstract

This study analyzed musacea losses at a Quito market. The objectives were to understand trade dynamics, explore loss factors, and quantify wasted musaceas. The methodology was mixed, with vendor surveys and direct waste measurement. High awareness but little action on the problem was found. Bananas had 13.8 % average loss, indicating failures in their handling. A spike in waste was identified on August 19th, attributable to transport and storage deficiencies. It is concluded that focusing on this retail link could significantly reduce total waste, through training in good postharvest practices and awareness campaigns.