Food and nutrition policy at the local level: Key factors that influence the policy development process

Abstract

Little empirical work has been undertaken examining the policy process at the local level, where the majority of public health professionals work. This has resulted in a lack of understanding of how the policy development process works at this level and of the relevance of policy theory to local policy processes and outcomes. This paper discusses the findings of four case studies undertaken during 1995-96 that examined the process of developing food and nutrition policies within Australian local governments. At two of the sites food and nutrition policies were introduced. At the other two sites the development of food and nutrition policies was funded but policies were not endorsed or implemented. Semi-structured interviews were held with key personnel and document analysis was undertaken of reports and minutes of meetings. Factors examined in the study included the roles of individuals, groups and organized interests, the influence of organizational and governmental structures and the interaction between these factors. The relevance of the policy theories of localism, agenda setting and political power and policy making to locally based health policy development is discussed. Key findings of this study are that local policy action is a function of the nature of the policy issue, it is dependent on the political and organizational environments within which it is developed and action by individuals can be very influential in the policy process.