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Abstract
Successful food policy implementation is preceded by a defined policymaking
process drawing from a sound information base. Yet too often the knowledge generated
through food policy research does not become part of the local body of information and
consequently is not used by policymakers. This leads to less than optimal food policies.
This paper highlights the need for better linkages to be developed between the food
research and food policymaking processes. We propose that a key component of the
linkage is the integration of clients into the research process. This paper discusses the link
between food policy researchers and one group of clients—food policy decision-makers.
The paper first reviews the role of research and clients in the policymaking process and
proposes a conceptual framework that integrates clients into the research process. Case
studies utilizing client consultation in Ghana, India, Kenya, and Mali illustrate the
hypothesis that integration of all client groups, including policy decision-makers and in-country
researchers, beginning at the priority-setting stage of the research process, may
best influence ultimate policy decisions.