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Regional Governance for Food System Transformations: Learning from the Pacific Island Region

Author

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  • Anne Marie Thow

    (Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, Charles Perkins Centre (D17), Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia)

  • Amerita Ravuvu

    (Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Prevention and Control Programme, Public Health Division, Pacific Community (SPC), Suva, Fiji)

  • Viliamu Iese

    (Pacific Centre for Environment and Sustainable Development, The University of the South Pacific, Suva, Fiji)

  • Anna Farmery

    (Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia)

  • Senoveva Mauli

    (Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia)

  • Dorah Wilson

    (Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources and Security, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia)

  • Penny Farrell

    (Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, Charles Perkins Centre (D17), Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia)

  • Ellen Johnson

    (Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, Charles Perkins Centre (D17), Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia)

  • Erica Reeve

    (Menzies Centre for Health Policy and Economics, Charles Perkins Centre (D17), Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
    Global Obesity Centre, Institute for Health Transformation, School of Health and Social Development, Deakin University, 1 Gheringhap Street, Geelong, VIC 3220, Australia)

Abstract

The unsustainability of food systems is a global policy challenge. There is an urgent need for the improved coordination and integration of policies across sectors to improve food system outcomes. The aim of this study was to examine the role and opportunities for regional governance in strengthening policy for food system transformations, using the Pacific Island region as a case study. We conducted a qualitative policy analysis, drawing on data from 21 interviews with experts and participants in Pacific Island regional food system governance, and the analysis of 17 key regional commitments (policy documents) relating to food systems. The findings indicate that the Pacific Island region has made significant progress towards improved regional food systems governance. Regional governance has been used to address multiple shared and inter-related challenges associated with food systems, improve coordination across silos, and facilitate constructive engagement on policy issues between international, regional, and national actors. However, food systems outcomes related to the economy, nutrition, and environment continue to be mixed, and there are challenges to policy coordination and effectiveness at the regional level. Interviewees envisaged a regional approach characterized by being rooted in regional values, meeting multiple objectives, balancing tensions, and providing meaningful support and resources for countries. Following food systems disruptions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, this study suggests that there is an opportunity to strengthen regional food system governance through paradigm change, the development of new modes of coordination, and increasing the dynamic interactions between regional institutions, countries, and communities.

Suggested Citation

  • Anne Marie Thow & Amerita Ravuvu & Viliamu Iese & Anna Farmery & Senoveva Mauli & Dorah Wilson & Penny Farrell & Ellen Johnson & Erica Reeve, 2022. "Regional Governance for Food System Transformations: Learning from the Pacific Island Region," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(19), pages 1-21, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:19:p:12700-:d:934557
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    References listed on IDEAS

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