Advocacy Coalition Framework and Policy Changes in a Third‐World Country

Abstract

This work concerns health sector reform in Nigeria between 2003 and 2014. Using qualitative content analysis, I investigate the factors that led to the reform, the reform process, and its outcome. The objective is to assess the conformity of the policy reform to Sabatier and Weible's Advocacy Coalition Framework (ACF) in order to ascertain the applicability, or otherwise, of the ACF in policy analysis in stable democratic African states. In the article, external shock, policy subsystem, stable parameter, technical experts, advocacy coalitions, the “devil shift,” and policy core beliefs—which are basic components of ACF—were all identified in the policy reform process. I conclude that the ACF can be applied in policy reform in democratic African states, so long as there is the rule of law, a separation of powers, freedom of speech and association, a fairly stable political environment, and the presence of policy participants with expert knowledge of the policy issues.Related ArticlesMorris, Mary Hallock. 2007. “The Political Strategies of Winning and Losing Coalitions: Agricultural and Environmental Groups in the Debate over Hypoxia.” Politics & Policy 35 (4): 836‐871. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1747-1346.2007.00086.xSwigger, Alexandra, and Bruce Timothy Heinmiller. 2014. “Advocacy Coalitions and Mental Health Policy: The Adoption of Community Treatment Orders in Ontario.” Politics & Policy 42 (2): 246‐270. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12066Udjo, Eric O., and Barney Erasmus. 2014. “Impact of Retirement Age Policy on the Workforce of a Higher Education Institution in South Africa.” Politics & Policy 42 (5): 744‐768. https://doi.org/10.1111/polp.12092 Related Media CNBC Africa. 2017. “How Can Nigeria Improve Its Healthcare System?” https://www.cnbcafrica.com/videos/2017/09/14/how-can-nigeria-improve-its-healthcare-system/Opeyemi, Agbaje. 2012. “Health Sector Reforms in Nigeria 1.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YvV_xj0meU