Analysis of stakeholder networks for breastfeeding policies and programs in Ghana

Abstract

Background: Suboptimal breastfeeding practices are driven by multiple factors. Thus, a multi-sectoral approach is necessary to design and implement appropriate policies and programs that protect, promote, and support breastfeeding. Methods: This study used Net-Map, an interactive social network interviewing and mapping technique, to: a) identify key institutional actors involved in breastfeeding policy/programs in Ghana, b) identify and describe links between actors (i.e., command, dissemination, funding, and technical assistance (TA)), and c) document actors influence to initiate or modify breastfeeding policy/programs. Ten experts were purposively selected from relevant institutions and were individually interviewed. Interview data was analysed using social networking mapping software, Gephi (version 0.9.2). Results: Forty-six unique actors were identified across six actor categories (government, United Nations agencies, civil society, academia, media, others), with one-third being from government agencies. Dissemination and TA links accounted for two-thirds of the identified links between actors (85/261 links for dissemination; 85/261 for TA). Command links were mainly limited to government agencies, while other link types were observed across all actor groups. Ghana Health Service (GHS) had the greatest in-degree centrality for TA and funding links, primarily from United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and development partners. The World Health Organization, UNICEF, Ministry of Health, and GHS had the highest weighted average relative influence scores. Conclusions: Although diverse actors are involved in breastfeeding policy and programming in Ghana, GHS plays a central role. United Nations and donor agencies are crucial supporters of GHS providing breastfeeding technical and financial assistance in Ghana.

Multi-Actor Collaboration in Improving the Economy of the Fishing Community in Karangantu Coastal Area of Serang, Indonesia

“…In identifying the actors involved in the management of improving the economy of the fishing community in Karangantu Coastal Area, Serang City, an actor analysis was required. According to Ondee and Pannarunothai (Aryeetey et al, 2020;Bryson et al, 2011;Hansson, 2011;Ondee & Pannarunothai, 2008;Rafika et al, 2016), actor analysis is a systematic method for collecting and analyzing data regarding the interests of actors (individuals, groups, and organizations) to identify the actors involved in management, both the main actors and the other actors in the management system, assessing the interests of several respective actors wagering, and predicting the potentials that might have an impact on the management of economic improvement of the fishing community in Karangantu Coastal Area, Serang City.…”

Stakeholder Network Analysis for Front-of-Pack Labeling in China

“…First, collecting data through individual interviews may lead to less precision and validity of information recall compared to applying the Net-Map approach in group interviews. However, Net-Map interviews with individuals have been previously reported and are considered valid ( 15 , 16 , 18 ). Data quality was optimized by systematic planning and implementation of data collection, training of interviewers, and providing clear definitions of terminology used in the Net-map activities.…”

“…Third, data were collected from only eight interviews. The sample size was similar to studies using the same methods for breastfeeding policies in Ghana and intersectoral cooperation in health promotion in Southern Germany ( 16 , 31 ). At the same time, Net-map activities involve subjective experiences that may influence the perception of networks.…”

“…This study was carried out using Net-Map, a methodology that facilitates visualization of stakeholder's interactions and the way these interactions influence the policy decision-making process ( 15 ). It combines stakeholder analysis, social network analysis, and power mapping, and has previously been used to identify stakeholders, examine their interactions, and rank their influence on policy development and implementation processes for infant and young child feeding policies and programs in Asia ( 16 – 18 ). The study received ethics approval from the Chinese Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (Approval No.…”

Gearing to success with national breastfeeding programmes: The Becoming Breastfeeding Friendly (BBF) initiative experience

“…The BBF process indeed served as the for providing breastfeeding services; (4) Expand and sustain breastfeeding awareness initiatives. Furthermore, it also led to an in-depth stakeholders network analysis (Aryeetey et al, 2020) and (5) The design, implementation, and evaluation of the first-ever breastfeeding social media campaign called BF4Ghana (Harding et al, 2019(Harding et al, , 2020. As in Mexico, stakeholders found BBF to be very useful for advancing breastfeeding in Ghana.…”