Journal of
Public Administration and Policy Research

  • Abbreviation: J. Public Adm. Policy Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 2141-2480
  • DOI: 10.5897/JPAPR
  • Start Year: 2009
  • Published Articles: 153

Full Length Research Paper

Networks and coalitions in the implementation of the international treaty on plant genetic resources for food and agriculture in Uganda

Gloria Atieno Otieno
  • Gloria Atieno Otieno
  • Bioversity international, Via dei Tre Denari 472/a, 0054 Maccarese (Fiumicino), Italy.
  • Google Scholar
John Wasswa Mulumba
  • John Wasswa Mulumba
  • National Agricultural Research Organization, National Agricultural Research Laboratories, Kawanda, P. O. Box 7065, Kampala Uganda.
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Aseffa Seyoum Wedajoo
  • Aseffa Seyoum Wedajoo
  • Department of Public Administration, University of Illinois Chicago, College of Urban Planning & Public Affairs University of Illinois at Chicago 412 South Peoria Street Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA.
  • Google Scholar
Myoung Jin Lee
  • Myoung Jin Lee
  • Department of Public Administration, University of Illinois Chicago, College of Urban Planning & Public Affairs University of Illinois at Chicago 412 South Peoria Street Chicago, Illinois 60607, USA.
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Catherine Kiwuka
  • Catherine Kiwuka
  • National Agricultural Research Organization, National Agricultural Research Laboratories, Kawanda, P. O. Box 7065, Kampala Uganda.
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Richard Ogwal Omara
  • Richard Ogwal Omara
  • National Agricultural Research Organization, National Agricultural Research Laboratories, Kawanda, P. O. Box 7065, Kampala Uganda.
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Joyce Adokorach
  • Joyce Adokorach
  • National Agricultural Research Organization, National Agricultural Research Laboratories, Kawanda, P. O. Box 7065, Kampala Uganda.
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Eva Zaake
  • Eva Zaake
  • National Agricultural Research Organization, National Agricultural Research Laboratories, Kawanda, P. O. Box 7065, Kampala Uganda.
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Michael Halewood
  • Michael Halewood
  • Bioversity international, Via dei Tre Denari 472/a, 0054 Maccarese (Fiumicino), Italy.
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  •  Received: 28 March 2016
  •  Accepted: 05 September 2016
  •  Published: 31 October 2016

Abstract

Uganda acceded to the International Treaty for Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGTFA) in the year 2003. Despite this, there are still gaps in implementation of the treaty in the country. The article provides insights into the systemic interactions and coalitions among actors in the implementation of the treaty and subsequent barriers to the implementation of the ITPGRFA. Using social network analysis, the interactions of 26 key policy actors are mapped for 4 main expertise networks that are important for implementation of the treaty; that is, the policy direction networks; scientific expertise; financial expertise; and legal networks in order to identify gaps for further action. Findings indicate that the linkages between actors are poor especially in the legal expertise and policy direction networks where the competent authority for the treaty does not have efficient connections with critical and non-critical actors. Many key actors are also excluded from the network leading poor information and resource flows among stakeholders implementing the treaty. In the interim, a memorandum of understanding has been signed by three major institutions that are key to establish clear processes for implementation of the treaty and establishing clear guidelines for access and benefit sharing and clear roles of institutions involved in the policy development and implementation. Key lessons learned from this research are that networks and coalitions are important for fostering information and exchange of expertise to enable effective implementation or domestication of the international treaty (IT). The structured engagement of other non-governmental stakeholders such as non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and international organizations that provide financial and technical support for various aspects of policy implementation is also important.

 

Key words: Policy implementation, policy networks, international treaty for plant genetic resources for food and agriculture (ITPGRFA), Uganda.