Policy integration for overcoming fragmented Government action in South Africa: the case of the national policy on food and nutrition security

Abstract

In South Africa, as globally, scholars in public policy, administration, and governance have acknowledged the necessity of inte-grated policy approaches to address complex, cross-sectoral, and multilevel government issues. However, the complex of prob-lems and fragmented government structures and actions hinder effective policy implementation and governance. Despite thepotential of policy integration to overcome these challenges, there has been little focus on the concept in South African literature,which is widespread in official speeches and documents by the government—a scholarship-practice mismatch. Using the case ofthe National Policy on Food Security and Nutrition Security, persistent fragmented government action was demonstrated usinga policy integration analytical framework. The policy's ineffectiveness stems from a lack of coordination, decisional platforms,and stakeholder participation, with implications for governance. This article provides theoretical and practical insights for im-proving policy making, integration, decision making, and governance, and suggests research areas for South African PublicAdministration scholarship.