1 min
In the agricultural sector, there are several policies formulated that are unknown to even the stakeholders. For the known policies; some addressed the issues or its objectives whereas others just occupied the space. In some cases, summersaults are observed; where a policy is contradictory to another policy (ies).
These inconsistencies in policy development are influenced by inaccurate data used to identify problems, wrong stakeholders during policy consultation, personal interest of coordinating groups amongst several others. However, one important issue that has been raised over the years is that when agricultural policies fail, farmers have always been adversely affected, and have no accountability from the government. This raises an important question of who should bear the consequences of failed policies in the agricultural sector?
Sadly, the government has contributed directly or indirectly to many failed policies but has always borne so little or no consequences for that action. And this affects the sector negatively and contributes to the low or no trust of the value chain actors in the government. (Please note, as much as we blame the government for many failures of our policies, other stakeholders also contribute to some of these failures). But we cannot continue running down the sector with failed policies without consequences. Therefore, we need to develop a structure or framework that supports policy implementation and accountability. This would address the issues of lackadaisical attitude of officials of the government who refuse to carry out their duties as expected. For instance, if as a farmer, I purchase fake or adulterated inputs that were approved by the government officials, there is a feedback mechanism that can address this issue and all involved officials who approved such are punished, including the manufacturers. But not a system where the manufacturer is punished alone and the government officials who erroneously or intentionally approve such to the market.
In conclusion, we need a strong accountability system to support policy implementation strategies. This will go a long way to build trust among the other stakeholders toward the government and we will be able to assess the effectiveness of policies developed and new policies that are developed would be more complementary and align the interests of all the stakeholders. We don't only need policies, we need a stronger political willingness of the policy makers who are driven by strong will to make a change in the agricultural sector. Let policies guide us to development and achieving food security for our nations.
Yours-in-Service
Babatunde
Sadly, the government has contributed directly or indirectly to many failed policies but has always borne so little or no consequences for that action. And this affects the sector negatively and contributes to the low or no trust of the value chain actors in the government. (Please note, as much as we blame the government for many failures of our policies, other stakeholders also contribute to some of these failures). But we cannot continue running down the sector with failed policies without consequences. Therefore, we need to develop a structure or framework that supports policy implementation and accountability. This would address the issues of lackadaisical attitude of officials of the government who refuse to carry out their duties as expected. For instance, if as a farmer, I purchase fake or adulterated inputs that were approved by the government officials, there is a feedback mechanism that can address this issue and all involved officials who approved such are punished, including the manufacturers. But not a system where the manufacturer is punished alone and the government officials who erroneously or intentionally approve such to the market.
In conclusion, we need a strong accountability system to support policy implementation strategies. This will go a long way to build trust among the other stakeholders toward the government and we will be able to assess the effectiveness of policies developed and new policies that are developed would be more complementary and align the interests of all the stakeholders. We don't only need policies, we need a stronger political willingness of the policy makers who are driven by strong will to make a change in the agricultural sector. Let policies guide us to development and achieving food security for our nations.
Yours-in-Service
Babatunde
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