Browsing by Author "Van de Venter, Anzelle"

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    Assessing the use of intergovernmental forums in the Gauteng Province as a means to leverage infant and young child nutrition agendas
    (Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2018-12) Van de Venter, Anzelle; Du Plessis, Lisanne; Drimie, Scott; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Global Health. Human Nutrition.
    ENGLISH SUMMARY : Introduction: Infant and Young Child Nutrition (IYCN) requires an enabling environment with strong leadership and a conducive political situation to promote nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions. The aim of the study was to assess the use of the Intergovernmental Relations Framework Act (IGRFA) and corresponding Gauteng forums as a means to leverage IYCN as an agenda item in the province. Methods: Key-informant in-depth interviews were used to investigate Intergovernmental Forum (IGF) members’ experience of these platforms and their understanding of nutrition as an issue that involves multiple sectors. Results: A total of nine participants consented for an interview to be conducted. Adherence to the stipulations of the IGRFA was perceived to be adequate but did not ensure that the spirit of the Act is carried out in coherent planning and co-operative governance between the different spheres, provincial and local government sphere. Challenges experienced include the operational functioning of the forums and political tension which affect agenda-determination and co-operation between government spheres, particularly between provincial and local structures. Benefits include the opportunity for co-ordination, guidance, and accountability. Most members felt the topics on the agenda and representation at the meetings were adequate. Participants recognized IYCN as a multi-sectoral topic and its relevance for an IGF, but it was rarely on the agenda and ignorance of IYCN remained problematic. Conclusion: The results indicate the importance of knowledge on IYCN for government leaders and the capacity to deal with political influence. The IGFs in Gauteng demonstrated the ability to leverage IYCN by being a platform for coherent planning and governance, but not for an initial introduction to the topic. High-level leadership needs to introduce the topic in order for it to be discussed; the intended route for scaling up topics is rarely followed. Significant advocacy on IYCN needs to target high-level government officials as well as the general public to develop stronger societal influence.