A policy coherence framework for food security, climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction in South Africa

Food security (FS), climate change adaptation (CCA), and disaster risk reduction (DRR) have all evolved in isolation at the global, national, and subnational levels, employing various response strategies, plans, and conceptual and institutional frameworks. As a result, attempts to ensure food security through DRR and CCA efforts are unevenly dispersed. The purpose of this research is to propose a novel framework for bringing FS, CCA, and DRR policies in South Africa into alignment. Data was gathered through content analysis of three FS, CCA and DRR policy documents, as well as 24 face-to-face and virtual/online key informant interviews (KIIs) from eight institutions purposefully selected. The findings revealed misalignments in the way objectives are set and prioritised, lack of coordination during implementation, and inadequate monitoring mechanisms that are needed to enhance policy coherence between CCA, DRR, and FS policies. To address these misalignments, the study proposed a policy coherence framework that aligns policy objectives, implementation plans, and monitoring and evaluation mechanisms between FS, CCA and DRR. When policies are aligned, they work together in a coordinated manner, reinforcing each other's objectives and actions and enhance the likelihood of achieving desired outcomes.