Enablers and barriers to the implementation of the Food System Transformative Integrated Policy (FS-TIP) in Ghana, Malawi and Rwanda

Abstract Background/Objective The Food System Transformative Integrated Policy (FS-TIP) is an evidence informed initiative that identifies food system (FS) challenges, policies and stakeholders required for the functioning of FS. It was piloted in three countries and evaluated to identify its perceived relevance, stakeholder readiness to adopt the process, level of stakeholder engagement and enablers and barriers to its implementation. Methods This was a cross-sectional mixed methods study. The perceived relevance and willingness of stakeholders to adopt the FS-TIP initiative was collected using an online semi-structured questionnaire. Key informant interviews were conducted to assess enablers and barriers. A desk review of process outputs was also conducted to assess the level of multi-stakeholder engagement. The study was conducted in Ghana, Malawi and Rwanda. Stakeholders who implemented and validated the initiative. Results Ten stakeholders (Ghana-2; Malawi-5 and Rwanda-3) completed the online survey and twenty-five (Ghana-10; Malawi-6; Rwanda-7 and project management team-2) were interviewed. Stakeholders expressed willingness to adopt FS-TIP, considered it relevant to the African context, designed with policy-makers in mind but difficult to implement. Enablers for FS-TIP included: stakeholder buy-in, the use of local experts and availability of routinely collected data. Lack of centralized databases and limited access to stakeholders and time for implementation were identified as barriers. Conclusion FS-TIP identified FS challenges in Ghana, Malawi and Rwanda. It was considered relevant, acceptable and adoptable by stakeholders and can improve FS policies and diagnostics. The initiative should ideally be government led and integrated in existing initiatives to ensure ownership and sustainability.