Abstract
Food waste is one of the fast-growing concerns globally, with distinctly different patterns arising between developed and developing nations. While developed countries experience significant waste at the household level, developing nations face losses predominantly at earlier stages of the food supply chain. This qualitative research examines food waste within Tonga's ‘ufi (Yam) supply chain, employing talanoa (open dialogue) method to explore the cultural, behavioural, and structural factors influencing waste generation. The talanoa research method provides a culturally appropriate framework for gathering deep, relational knowledge through conversational dialogue that honors Tongan epistemologies and social protocols. The study investigates how contemporary Tongan food practices intersect with traditional food system, revealing that food waste in Tonga diverges significantly from Western norms, being intrinsically linked to cultural and spiritual obligations within the Tongan community. As the first research to examine Tonga’s food supply chain, this study provides crucial insights into the unique dynamics of food waste in Pacific Island contexts. Findings suggest that sustainable interventions must acknowledge and incorporate these cultural dimensions rather than applying conventional Western waste reduction frameworks. The research also yields methodological insights, including the importance of an accompaniment when conducting talanoa with elders and religious leaders as a mark of cultural respect. This study contributes to broader understandings of food waste in non-Western contexts and offers culturally informed recommendations for developing sustainable interventions that honour Tongan values while addressing food security and environmental concerns.