A Game Theoretic Framework for Surplus Food Distribution in Smart Cities and Beyond

TL;DR

This paper proposes a game theoretic framework for surplus food redistribution in smart cities, aiming to reduce food waste and address hunger through ICT-enabled strategies, especially in developing countries.

Contribution

It introduces a novel strategic framework for surplus food redistribution leveraging game theory in smart city contexts, extending applicability beyond urban areas.

Findings

Framework facilitates efficient surplus food exchange.

Enhances cooperation among stakeholders in food redistribution.

Applicable to developing countries' urban and rural areas.

Abstract

Food waste is a major challenge for the present world. It is the precursor to several socioeconomic problems that are plaguing the modern society. To counter the same and to, simultaneously, stand by the undernourished, surplus food redistribution has surfaced as a viable solution. Information and Communications Technology (ICT)-mediated food redistribution is a highly scalable approach and it percolates into the masses far better. Even if ICT is not brought into the picture, the presence of food surplus redistribution in developing countries like India is scarce and is limited to only a few of the major cities. The discussion of a surplus food redistribution framework under strategic settings is a less discussed topic around the globe. This paper aims at addressing a surplus food redistribution framework under strategic settings, thereby facilitating a smoother exchange of surplus food in the smart cities of developing countries, and beyond. As ICT is seamlessly available in smart cities, the paper aims to focus the framework in these cities. However, this can be extended beyond the smart cities to places with greater human involvement.