How do we empower local actors to play a role in strengthening their own policy systems?

This question is top of mind for Policy LINK, a USAID Feed the Future project that works with and through local actors to strengthen policy systems to advance agriculture and food security priorities. Unlike other policy activities that focus on developing specific policies, Policy LINK strengthens the leadership capacity of public, private and civil society actors and fosters collective action among them to transform policy systems. Collective action is an intentional and agreed-upon process that engages interested parties to take joint actions in support of shared objectives. In the case of policy systems strengthening, it entails supporting stakeholders to engage in more inclusive policy dialog, generate and use evidence to formulate and implement policy agendas and individual policies, and hold decision-makers and each other accountable. 

In a new paper, “Locally-Led Policy System Transformation: Lessons from Policy LINK,” Policy LINK offers ideas for engaging and collaborating with local actors, strengthening local leadership, and moving local stakeholders toward collective action on agriculture and food policy initiatives. The ideas, lessons learned and emerging good practices are informed by Policy LINK’s experiences in Bangladesh, Ethiopia and Ghana, as well as its support for the African Union through the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Programme.

In sharing these insights, Policy LINK aims to spark a wider conversation about effective, locally led policy systems transformation.