In order to define the role of policy analysis, we need to distinguish between two major processes. These are:
· Policy formulation, defined as the process of considering alternative policy options and deciding to implement one or several of them.· Policy implementation, defined as the process of carrying out the policy (or policies) decided on during the formulation stage.
Within policy formulation, we can further distinguish between policy analysis and policy making. Policy analysis is the process of investigating issues and options, and of drawing up and comparing different proposals. Policy making, on the other hand, is the act of deciding which objectives should be met and selecting the instruments by which to do so.
Corresponding to these processes are the people who carry them out, namely:
· policy formulators: policy analysts and policy makers
· policy implementers.
These are not necessarily different people. The same person may analyse policy, make it and then implement it. However, in doing so, he or she is carrying out distinct roles. Awareness of these roles, and an ability to separate them, are important for everyone involved in policy work.
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Important points (1.2-1.5) · Performance of the livestock subsector in sub-Saharan Africa has been poor over the last two decades. · Four conditions are essential for satisfactory progress in the livestock subsector: resources, technology, Suitable institutions and policies, Inappropriate policies have been major factors in the poor growth of the subsector. · The term policy refers to a set of decisions and related action to implement them. · Two basic elements of a policy are: - policy objectives · Policy processes involve two major steps: - policy formulation Policy formulation is further subdivided into policy analysis and policy making. |
