Policy Integration for Overcoming Fragmented Government Action in South Africa: The Case of the National Policy on Food and Nutrition Security

Abstract

In South Africa, as globally, scholars in public policy, administration, and governance have acknowledged the necessity of integrated policy approaches to address complex, cross-sectoral, and multilevel government issues. However, the complex of problems and fragmented government structures and actions hinder effective policy implementation and governance. Despite the potential of policy integration to overcome these challenges, there has been little focus on the concept in South African literature, which is widespread in official speeches and documents by the government—a scholarship-practice mismatch. Using the case of the National Policy on Food Security and Nutrition Security, persistent fragmented government action was demonstrated using a policy integration analytical framework. The policy's ineffectiveness stems from a lack of coordination, decisional platforms, and stakeholder participation, with implications for governance. This article provides theoretical and practical insights for improving policy making, integration, decision making, and governance, and suggests research areas for South African Public Administration scholarship.

Related Articles

Asare-Nuamah, P., A. Amoah, and S. A. Asongu. 2023. “Achieving Food Security in Ghana: Does Governance Matter?” Politics & Policy 51, no. 4: 614–635. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12540.

Djeufack Dongmo, A., and D. Avom. 2024. “Urbanization, Civil Conflict, and the Severity of Food Insecurity in Africa.” Politics & Policy 52, no. 1: 140–168. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12572.

Oehmke, J. F., S. L. Young, G. Bahiigwa, B. B. Keizire, and L. A. Post. 2018. “The Behavioral-Economics Basis of Mutual Accountability to Achieve Food Security.” Politics & Policy 46, no. 1: 32–57. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12244.