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Written by CaRAPN Team
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Why a policy network in agriculture?
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What makes the issue of 'policy' important enough to encourage dialogue and sharing of opinions, experiences and information? Isn't policy making for government officials? After all, it is their job.
In our democratic societies, policies are made through dialogue and consensus among politicians, voters, interest groups/lobbyists and the public service (government agencies responsible for putting policy into action). Historically, politicians were left to make policy. But in recent times, individuals and interest groups have taken a more direct and active role, in influencing the process.
The process of making policies provides society an avenue to identify real problems and to do something about them through government intervention. However, for many in the agricultural community, the need for policy may not be obvious or even understood and hence the opportunity to participate and influence the process is often lost.
A strong policy process built on real and open communication provides all stakeholders with the chance to bring critical problems, some unique to agriculture, to the attention of government. Why the government? Because all countries, whether high or low income, developed or developing, big or small, democratic or centrally planned, are managed by a system of government. And in virtually all countries, government is, in some way, involved in agriculture. And in some countries, as evidenced in Europe, the United States, Asia, etc., agriculture receives 'special' treatment, even today.
What treatment does agriculture receive in our neck of the woods? Judging from comments in the press, during agriculture workshops and meetings, etc - not so special. What can be done to change it? Well for starters, we can build a community and strengthen the policy process, from formulation to implementation. |
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