Abstract
Diet-related fiscal policy is an effective NCD prevention strategy. However, current sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) taxes in Fiji and Tonga have not had the desired effect; SSB consumption in Fiji, for example, contributes to mortality more than double the global rates and is highest in the WHO Western Pacific Region. We therefore aimed to better understand the perceived underlying political economy drivers that have and continue to affect change in each country. Our study design utilised a comparative case study that triangulated documentary policy and stakeholder analysis with semi-structured stakeholder interviews in both countries and an in-depth corporate political activity analysis in Fiji. We drew on theoretical frameworks relevant to political economy to collect and analyse policy and stakeholder data, and utilised established corporate political activity frameworks to analyse industry activity. Common findings to both Fiji and Tonga suggested that the SSB tax impact could be increased through multisectoral engagement, embracing a whole-of-society approach, strengthened institutional structures and leveraging off competing priorities across sectors towards more common goals. These findings provide opportunities and lessons for Fiji and Tonga as well as other similar settings seeking to strengthen or upscale the impact of diet-related fiscal policy.
Highlights
Our analysis highlighted a number of future opportunities for strengthened dietrelated fiscal policy for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) prevention in both Fiji and Tonga
Key findings from both countries indicated the potential for increased multisectoral engagement and to embrace a whole-of-society approach, to strengthen enforcement, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms, and to leverage off consistent competing priorities and policy objectives across sectors for more inclusive, nutrition-sensitive actions
Appendices A and B provide a list of included policies, years active and objectives relating to diet-related NCDs
Summary
NCDs in this plan related to sustainable livelihoods and healthy food production (i.e., food and nutrition security). The strategic objective for Programme 3 is to develop diverse, climate-resilient farming systems for Tonga’s geographical zones (island groups). There are three specific objectives, to: (i) improve farmers’ knowledge and practices of natural resource management, and diversified crop, livestock and handicraft production systems; (ii) revitalize Tonga’s farming future and encourage young farmers to return to the land; (iii) support farmers and handicraft producers to produce products that are marketable in local markets, can have valued added to them and which contribute to food and nutritional security. The Act stipulates legislation around the requirements for the import, export and sale of safe, healthy food. The Act addresses fundamental food safety labelling (not nutrition), and spells out the following (Section 12 of the Food Act): In determining whether an article of food is injurious to human health, due regard shall be given to the probable effect of such food on the health of a person consuming it, and to the probable cumulative effect of articles of substantially similar composition on the health of a person consuming such articles in ordinary quantities
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