Stakeholder arguments during the adoption of a sugar sweetened beverage tax in South Africa and their influence: a content analysis

Karim, Safura Abdool; Kruger, Petronell; Mazonde, Natasha; Erzse, Agnes; Goldstein, Susan; Hofman, Karen

doi:10.1080/16549716.2022.2152638

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

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“…Given rising obesity and other NCDs in Ghana, an SSB tax might be an effective fiscal policy to decrease purchase and consumption of SSB and reduce overweight/obesity prevalence, especially if the tax were specific for beverage volume 67. Several strategies that have been identified to support the implementation of SSB taxes include shifting the discourse from an economic to a health perspective, developing positive public opinion, garnering public support, forging links with the agricultural sector and central government leadership including MoF 68–71…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An exploration of stakeholder views and perceptions on taxing tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages in Ghana

Singh,

Smith,

Hellowell

et al. 2023

BMJ Glob Health

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BackgroundNon-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for nearly 43% of Ghana’s all-cause mortality. Unhealthy commodities (such as alcohol, sugar and tobacco) are an important factor in the growing NCD burden in the region of sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Despite health taxes on tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) gaining renewed attention, adoption and implementation in SSA remain limited. This study aims to unpack the contextual politics and to examine current perceptions of opportunities and barriers for health taxes in Ghana.MethodsSemistructured qualitative interviews (n=19) conducted with purposively sampled stakeholders representing four sectors: government, civil society, media and international organisations, and two group interviews with nine industry stakeholders, informed by a review of relevant literature and policy/advocacy documents.ResultsStakeholders had a general belief that such taxes are primarily useful for revenue generation (for health spending) rather than for reducing consumption and improving health. There do appear to be opportunities for health taxes with stakeholders broadly supportive of taxing SSBs. This support could be strengthened via ‘health’ framing of any new tax proposals, the generation of Ghana-specific evidence about the potential impacts of such taxes and greater public awareness. Industry actors and some government representatives opposed health taxes, citing concerns about the potential to increase illicit trade and economic harm. Some stakeholders also believed that links between politicians and affected industries represent an important barrier.ConclusionThese findings identify opportunities to introduce health taxes but also underline the potential resistance from affected industry stakeholders. Nevertheless, a strategic approach that focuses on achieving policy coherence (between central government, health and economic ministries), combined with efforts to strengthen stakeholder and public support, may weaken the lobbying position of industry. Such efforts could be supported by research to help demonstrate the value of different designs of health taxes for achieving Ghana’s health goals and to better understand industry–political links.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

An exploration of stakeholder views and perceptions on taxing tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages in Ghana

Singh,

Smith,

Hellowell

et al. 2023

BMJ Glob Health

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

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“…Accordingly, the practices of large firms cannot be correlated with those of small firms, since large firms prioritize their interests differently than SMEs do. As confirmed by many studies, SMEs can perform much better if there is pressure from multiple stakeholders to adopt environmental strategies [23].…”

Section: Relevance Of Theories Within the Research Contextmentioning

confidence: 92%

Eco-Efficiency, Environmental and Sustainable Innovation in Recycling Energy and Their Effect on Business Performance: Evidence from European SMEs

et al. 2023

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This paper examines the influence of adopting resource efficiency actions, saving water, saving energy, using renewable energy, saving materials, minimizing waste, selling scrap, recycling, using durable products, promoting environmental responsibility, and offering green marketing products and services on the performance of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). More specifically, we investigate specific resource efficiency actions and their impact on production costs, investment, the available support for product expansion, and the effect of encountered barriers on SME performance. We develop a theoretical framework based on stakeholder- and resource-based theories to serve as the foundation for this analysis. We use these theories to explain the link between eco-efficiency actions, firm performance, and ecological behavior, along with public policy and innovation. This study uses Flash Eurobarometer survey datasets FL342, FL381, FL426, and FL456, which cover SMEs across time and sectors in 28 EU countries. The data are analyzed through descriptive and ordered logit regression analysis, using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) to test the relationship between the above variables and the parameters. In terms of practical implications, these findings are crucial in helping SMEs pursue sustainable development. According to the findings, SMEs lack information on how implementing eco-efficiency action affects their financial health and sustainable innovation. This study can provide valuable insights into how implementing eco-efficiency practices can positively impact a company’s bottom line, good health, and employees’ well-being and how SMEs can use this information to make more informed decisions. Additionally, the findings can help inform policy makers about how to better support SMEs in pursuing sustainable development.

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Impact of the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax on the South African Sugar Industry

Latsha,

Proches,

Singh

2023

Global Perspectives on Soft Power Management in Business

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The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of the sugar-sweetened beverage tax on the South African sugar as well as navigating power dynamics within the sugar industry. The study was guided by a qualitative research approach involving key sugar industry stakeholders. The sugar-sweetened beverage and power differentials amongst key sugar industry stakeholders has negatively impacted the South African sugar industry which is already beset by various challenges. The sustainability of the sugar industry has been threatened, forcing industry stakeholders to consider alternatives for survival. Public policies should be better informed before implementation, especially for industries pivotal to the economic welfare of developing countries. Furthermore, the sugar industry in South Africa needs to become more resilient to withstand similar shocks in the future. The study demonstrates how well-intentioned public policies often lead to unintended and disruptive consequences. In situating itself against the background of a developing country, the study further highlights how such consequences can be more severe in such contexts.

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Stakeholder arguments during the adoption of a sugar sweetened beverage tax in South Africa and their influence: a content analysis

Cited by 3 publications

References 31 publications

An exploration of stakeholder views and perceptions on taxing tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages in Ghana

An exploration of stakeholder views and perceptions on taxing tobacco, alcohol and sugar-sweetened beverages in Ghana

Eco-Efficiency, Environmental and Sustainable Innovation in Recycling Energy and Their Effect on Business Performance: Evidence from European SMEs

Impact of the Sugar-Sweetened Beverage Tax on the South African Sugar Industry

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