Tropentag 2023, September 20 - 22, Berlin, Germany "Competing pathways for equitable food systems transformation: trade-offs and synergies."

Policy performance and stakeholders' perspectives on achieving sustainable food production in Namibia

University of Hohenheim, Dept. Agricultural and Food Policy (420a), Germany

Abstract

In contribution to achieving international sustainable development goals, Namibia adopted the 2030 sustainable development global agenda in the year 2018 and guaranteed comprehensive implementation of the agenda in a national spirit of leaving no one behind. The 2030 global agenda for sustainable development addresses climate change, poverty, and inequality pointing to the call for a Sustainable Food System (SFS). SFS encompasses a set of structures and interconnected activities with significant contributions to the food value chain as a pillar for sustainable development. SFS structures originate with Sustainable Food Production (SFP) activities employed by key players, such as food producers. It is therefore imperative to comprehend the national SFP strategies of a country and its systems, processes, institutions, and agricultural legislation that guides and supports multi-stakeholder governance to achieve SFP targets. Hence the objective of this research paper is to identify Namibia’s main policies that support the implementation of SFP targets. In so doing, the paper will analyse and reveal policy performance to achieve SFP based on national reports and stakeholders’ perspectives.
Revolving around the sustainability compass at pivotal phases of the policy process, this research paper implements the policy evaluation process phase as a significant feedback control system in agenda-setting for sustainability. A qualitative policy analysis approach known as frame-critical analysis was used in this study. Analyses are from Namibia’s national policies, agricultural legislation, national reports, and stakeholders’ perspectives collected through in-depth interviews composed of academia, state-owned, private sector, and civil society organisations. A semi-structured interview strategy guided by open-ended questions was used supplemented by follow-up and probing questions depending on the interviewee’s response.
This study shares the main policies supporting the implementation of SFP, discusses primary stakeholders and national documents’ response to policy performance, and reveals Namibia’s approach to achieving SFP targets. The findings will provide policy performance feedback and encourage policymakers and economic development professionals to understand the national approach and required action to enhance SFP in Namibia.

Keywords: Frame-critical analysis, Namibia, national documents, policy, stakeholders’ perspectives, sustainable food production, sustainable food systems

Contact Address: Gideon Mawenge , University of Hohenheim, Dept. Agricultural and Food Policy (420a), Halfgarten 13, 70593 Stuttgart, Germany, e-mail: gideon.mawengeuni-hohenheim.de