Thumbnail Image

An ecosystemic framework for analysing evidence-informed policy systems for agricultural transformation

Case study of Benin

Year of publication 2023

Place of publication Rome, Italy ;

Pages 54 p.

Author Thoto, F.; Mas Aparisi, A.; Derlagen, C.;

Publisher FAO ;

Product type Book (series)

ISBN 978-92-5-137631-7

Series title FAO Agricultural Development Economics Working Paper

Series number No. 23-01

Synopsis (short abstract) The production and use of evidence for agricultural policy is critical to prioritizing and targeting effective agricultural transformation reforms in African countries. International development organizations have supported programmes that promote evidence-informed policies, however, this support has often been focused on short-term and externally driven solutions, with limited impact in the long run. Faced with this scenario, there is now a growing interest in the role of resilient and sustainable national systems that can generate organic evidence-informed agricultural policy. Yet, there is limited knowledge on how to map out and analyse such systems, which is critical to fostering their emergence and the later uptake of evidence in policymaking. This study draws on ecological science and social network analysis to develop and test a framework that can help understand evidence-policy systems and their potential to sustainably promote evidence-informed policymaking in the agricultural sector. Applying this framework in Benin, the study found that beyond the Ministry of Agriculture, other organizations produce, broker or use evidence such as data, research, evaluation and expert knowledge in a context that is influenced by the institutional rules and setup, the incentives in place and the funding landscape. Furthermore, the paper analyses the sustainability of the evidence-policy system in Benin through its power, resilience and capability. Finally, it provides policy recommendations with the key entry points to improve on and how a system like this can be used to improve agricultural policymaking.

The findings of this paper have been summarized in the policy brief: Towards a more sustainable supply and use of evidence in agricultural policy in Benin

Cite this content as:

Thoto, F., Mas Aparisi, A. & Derlagen, C. 2023. An ecosystemic framework for analysing evidence-informed policy systems for agricultural transformation – Case study of Benin. FAO Agricultural Development Economics Working Paper 23-01. Rome, FAO. 

https://doi.org/10.4060/cc4288en

Read on Google Books and buy online

Language English

Also available in:
No results found.

Related items

Showing items related by metadata.

  • Thumbnail Image
    Policy brief
    Towards a more sustainable supply and use of evidence in agricultural policy in Benin 2023
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    The production and use of evidence for agricultural policy is critical to prioritizing and targeting effective agricultural transformation reforms in African countries. International development organizations, like FAO, have supported programmes that promote evidence-informed policies. This policy brief summarizes the findings from the FAO Agricultural Development Economics Working Paper 23–01 ‘An ecosystemic framework for analysing evidence-informed policy systems for agricultural transformation – Case study of Benin’, drawing on ecological science and social network analysis to develop and test a framework to map agricultural evidence-policy systems and understand their sustainability in Benin. Despite the evidence policy ecosystem in Benin comprising almost 50 organizations that supply, broker or demand agricultural policy evidence, this network does not leverage all possible connections to help circulate evidence due to a lack of brokering organizations. It also highlighted a disconnect between data as the preferred form of policy evidence and the prioritization by these organizations of data actually being produced. Although there is a relatively sustainable ecosystem in place to incentivize and use evidence for agricultural development, there is an over reliance on its funding from development partners. Finally, it provides policy recommendations with the key entry points including developing a strategic vison for agricultural research, strengthening agricultural data and further institutionalizing evidence use.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Book (stand-alone)
    Pathways for agrifood systems transformation and regional cooperation in the Mediterranean 2024
    Also available in:
    Sustainable agrifood systems are crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030, yet structural inequalities and recent crises underscore the urgent need for transformative change. This report focuses on the Mediterranean region, examining challenges and opportunities for agrifood systems transformation within its unique socio-economic and political context. Drawing on global and regional momentum, the report identifies barriers hindering transformation, proposes policy recommendations, and highlights opportunities for regional cooperation. It leverages insights from the UN Food Systems Summits and a typological approach to categorize countries based on their agrifood systems and economic development status.The analysis reveals diverse challenges but also positive attributes such as dietary traditions and biodiversity. While most initiatives prioritize defining goals and establishing support ecosystems, there's a need for greater policy coherence and governance mechanisms. The report identifies strategies to address these gaps, including providing policy guidance, expanding collaborative networks, enhancing data management, and unlocking sustainable finance.Ultimately, an integrated approach that harmonizes various agrifood systems, aligns with local realities, and strengthens partnerships is essential for transformative change. By leveraging existing initiatives, expanding collaboration, and addressing unique regional challenges, the report charts a united pathway towards sustainable agrifood systems in the Mediterranean, fostering prosperity and resilience.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Booklet
    Leveraging social protection and economic inclusion interventions for agrifood system transformation
    A case study of Peru
    2023
    Also available in:
    No results found.
    Sustainable, inclusive, and resilient food systems are critical to achieving food security and nutrition, promoting adequate livelihoods for farmers, food producers, and their communities, and ensuring environmental sustainability. The imperative to address these intertwined objectives is underscored by the rising attention they have received, as evident in the deliberations of the UN Food Systems Summit. This study reflects on the role of social protection and economic inclusion programmes in food systems transformation. It discusses the country's food systems state and challenges, including poverty, food security, agricultural productivity, and natural resource management. The paper also provides key recommendations on how to accelerate food systems transformation: 1-Developing coherent policies and programmes to maximise synergies between interventions that involve different sectors. 2-Designing and implementing social protection and economic inclusion programmes tailored to rural populations 3- Incorporating a food systems perspective into social protection strategies is vital to proactively address potential trade-offs or unforeseen impacts across social, economic, and environmental dimensions.
Show more

Users also downloaded

Showing related downloaded files

No results found.