Strengthening Food Systems Governance to Achieve Multiple Objectives: A Comparative Instrumentation Analysis of Food Systems Policies in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands

Abstract

Political leaders from around the world are demonstrating interest in adopting food policies that account for the economic, health, social and environmental dimensions of food. In the Pacific Islands, decades of experience in implementing multisectoral NCD and climate policy has indicated that operationalising food systems policies will be challenging. We aimed to identify opportunities for food systems sectors to more strongly promote nutrition and environmental sustainability in addition to economic objectives. We conducted a comparative documentary analysis of 37 food systems sector policies in Vanuatu and the Solomon Islands. We applied theories of agenda- setting to examine how the frames employed by different sectors, and evident in policy content, shaped policy priorities and activities. We identified a predominately economic framing of issues affecting food systems sectors. Though there were clear policy aims to produce enough food to meet population dietary requirements and to promote an environmentally resilient food supply, aims operationalised more predominately through policy content were those that increase the contribution of productive sectors to food exports and import substitution. Food systems sectors in the Pacific Islands have clear aims to promote nutritious and environmentally resilient food systems, but policy instruments could more strongly reflect these aims.

Research protocol for impact assessment of a project to scale up food policies in the Pacific

“…Fifth, this research impact assessment helps to implement a multidisciplinary approach to strengthening food policy by ensuring that epidemiology, health education, environmental health, trade and fiscal policy, and in general, food regulation and governance approaches are incorporated within SUPI. Previous research has shown that breaking down sectoral and disciplinary silos is critical for effectively strengthening food policy in PICs [ 1 , 18 – 23 , 39 , 40 ] and LMICs in general [ 41 , 42 ].…”

Food trade among Pacific Island countries and territories: implications for food security and nutrition

“…This finding points to the potential for intra-regional trade to contribute to food security through increased availability and affordability of staple foods and suggests an opportunity for other commodities. For example, addressing the high cost of protein (and low consumption) in some settings, while also generating economic opportunities for development through supporting local food industries within the region [ 46 ]. This would have an additional benefit of increasing food access in times of disaster, due to overall increased regional availability (particularly given the countries in the region are mainly net-food-importers).…”

“…Such policy initiatives would enhance knowledge on upcoming market opportunities and risks, while enabling affordable inter-country transportation of healthy imported foods. In addition to investment in local food production, Ministries of Agriculture across the region are highlighting the importance of increased policy focus on encouraging youth participation and entrepreneurship in agriculture [ 46 ]. This strategy would not only to help increase agricultural productivity and also reduce dependence on imported foods and thus increase food security, but also to deal with high rates of youth unemployment.…”

“…Lifting production of locally manufactured food products for export trade will likely increase scale and affordability needed to appeal to local markets [ 55 ]. Lifting production of niche (often healthy) food products like dried fruit and juices and staple crop flours (ie cassava) is already an aim for some PICTs, such as Vanuatu [ 46 ]. However, enhancing intra-regional trade in local foods will require strengthening quality control of exports between PICTs, increasing capacity for adherence to technical and phytosanitary measures imposed by each PICTS, and investment in facilities and harmonization of requirements [ 60 , 61 ].…”

Food price and availability in Solomon Islands during COVID-19: A food environment survey

“…The burden of malnutrition in Solomon Islands reflects the wider experience in the Pacific region and globally. It is clear that successfully tackling it will require strengthening policies to promote healthy food environments (Reeve et al, 2022). In order to develop policies and programs to address these complex issues, there is a need for contemporary and context-specific information relating to where food comes from and how it is sourced.…”