Enablers and barriers to the implementation of the Food System Transformative Integrated Policy (FS-TIP) in Ghana, Malawi and Rwanda.
- 1African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Nairobi, Kenya. [email protected].
- 2African Population and Health Research Center (APHRC), Nairobi, Kenya.
Abstract
Background
The Food System Transformative Integrated Policy (FS-TIP) is an evidence-based framework developed to identify key food system challenges, relevant policies, and the actors necessary to support food systems. Following pilot implementation in Ghana, Malawi, and Rwanda, this study evaluated the initiative by exploring perceptions of its relevance, stakeholder preparedness to implement the approach, the degree of stakeholder involvement, and the enablers and barriers influencing implementation.Methods
This was a cross-sectional mixed methods study conducted in Ghana, Malawi and Rwanda. Data on willingness to adopt the process and perceived relevance of the initiative was collected using an online semi-structured questionnaire and key informant interviews were conducted to capture enablers and barriers. To assess the level of multi-stakeholder engagement, a desk review of process outputs was also conducted.Results
Ten stakeholders (Ghana = 2, Malawi = 5, Rwanda = 3) completed the online survey, and twenty-five participants (Ghana = 10, Malawi = 6, Rwanda = 7, project management team = 2) took part in interviews. Respondents reported willingness to adopt FS-TIP, perceived it as relevant to the African context, and considered it policy-oriented, though challenging to implement. Facilitators of implementation included stakeholder buy-in, involvement of local experts, and access to routinely collected data, whereas barriers included limited centralized databases, restricted stakeholder engagement, and inadequate implementation time.Conclusion
The FS-TIP initiative identified key food system challenges in Ghana, Malawi, and Rwanda. Stakeholders viewed the approach as relevant, acceptable, and feasible for adoption, with the potential to strengthen food system diagnostics and policy development. To promote long-term ownership and sustainability, the initiative would ideally be government-led and embedded within existing structures and initiatives.
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BibTeX
@article{mutoro2026enablers,
title = {{Enablers and barriers to the implementation of the Food System Transformative Integrated Policy (FS-TIP) in Ghana, Malawi and Rwanda.}},
author = {Antonina N Mutoro and Elizabeth Wambui and Ajibola Ogunsola and Dickson Amugsi and Gershim Asiki and Elizabeth W Kimani-Murage},
journal = {BMC public health},
year = {2026},
month = aug,
doi = {10.1186/s12889-026-28169-4},
url = {https://europepmc.org/article/MED/43009866},
note = {CC BY},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Enablers and barriers to the implementation of the Food System Transformative Integrated Policy (FS-TIP) in Ghana, Malawi and Rwanda.
AU - Antonina N Mutoro
AU - Elizabeth Wambui
AU - Ajibola Ogunsola
AU - Dickson Amugsi
AU - Gershim Asiki
AU - Elizabeth W Kimani-Murage
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/08/01
JO - BMC public health
DO - 10.1186/s12889-026-28169-4
UR - https://europepmc.org/article/MED/43009866
AB - Background The Food System Transformative Integrated Policy (FS-TIP) is an evidence-based framework developed to identify key food system challenges, relevant policies, and the actors necessary to support food systems. Following pilot implementation in Ghana, Malawi, and Rwanda, this study evaluated the initiative by exploring perceptions of its relevance, stakeholder preparedness to implement the approach, the degree of stakeholder involvement, and the enablers and barriers influencing implementation.Methods This was a cross-sectional mixed methods study conducted in Ghana, Malawi and Rwanda. Data on willingness to adopt the process and perceived relevance of the initiative was collected using an online semi-structured questionnaire and key informant interviews were conducted to capture enablers and barriers. To assess the level of multi-stakeholder engagement, a desk review of process outputs was also conducted.Results Ten stakeholders (Ghana = 2, Malawi = 5, Rwanda = 3) completed the online survey, and twenty-five participants (Ghana = 10, Malawi = 6, Rwanda = 7, project management team = 2) took part in interviews. Respondents reported willingness to adopt FS-TIP, perceived it as relevant to the African context, and considered it policy-oriented, though challenging to implement. Facilitators of implementation included stakeholder buy-in, involvement of local experts, and access to routinely collected data, whereas barriers included limited centralized databases, restricted stakeholder engagement, and inadequate implementation time.Conclusion The FS-TIP initiative identified key food system challenges in Ghana, Malawi, and Rwanda. Stakeholders viewed the approach as relevant, acceptable, and feasible for adoption, with the potential to strengthen food system diagnostics and policy development. To promote long-term ownership and sustainability, the initiative would ideally be government-led and embedded within existing structures and initiatives.
SN - 1471-2458
ER -