In an interview with Dr Edson Mugore, who recently completed his Doctorate of Philosophy in Rural Development with the Department of Agricultural Economics, Extension and Rural Development, he shared a brief overview of the research he conducted over the last few years, which explored the key drivers behind policy change in Zimbabwe and the implications they have for social protection.

What did you study and why did you choose the field?

I studied drivers of policy changes and its implication for social protection policy change in Zimbabwe. This was nestled in the context of social protection as an instrument for the achievement of food security. My motivation to research this field arose from the experience that while access to adequate nutritious food, either through physical or economic access, is a basic human right fundamental to realising the right to food, achieving food security remains a moving target.

Can you provide a brief overview of your research?

My research topic was: The drivers of policy changes and the implication for social protection policy change in Zimbabwe. When I started my study journey, I never thought of social protection as a study area. However, after years of researching different approaches to achieving food security, I realised that social protection is one of the instruments that is often overlooked in practice, despite the existence of literature on social protection as an instrument for the achievement of food security. despite existing literature highlighting its importance. This led me to question why governments struggle to implement policy changes (the identification, design and funding of appropriate social protection instruments) to address food insecurity and other vulnerabilities.

My topic sought to understand the various factors that influence the change and implementation of government policies and the underlying reasons behind the decisions that are being made. The study revealed that the selection, design, and implementation of social protection instruments, as well as their outcomes, are the result of negotiations and reconciling differences among policy actors. This demonstrated the crucial role of shared perceptions in driving policy change. Although policy actors recognized cash transfers as a suitable response to shocks and vulnerabilities, in-kind assistance remained the default option. Cash transfers represented a small proportion of social assistance initiatives. To increase its uptake, it is crucial to understand the perceptions and attitudes of policy actors and ensure that the perceptions and attitudes are addressed during design and implementation.

While technocratic concerns about attributes such as evidence of intervention impact, affordability of broad-based social protection, and rights-based concerns about universal principles and standards (among others) are valid, the central role of policy actors' perceptions, knowledge, and attitudes in policy change processes has inadvertently been overlooked. Achieving consensus and meaningful involvement in policy reform requires trust and collaboration among all stakeholders. Engaging veto players in the research process, rather than treating them solely as subjects, could foster shared understanding and common ground. Building trust and involving all stakeholders through jointly commissioned independent research can help bridge the gap and promote consensus-building.

The findings of this study provide valuable information for academics, policymakers, and global leaders, helping them gain a better understanding of policymakers' perceptions towards different social protection instruments, especially cash-based social protection instruments and local dynamics to food security. To my knowledge, it is one of the very few studies that explore political processes and political drivers that influence the adoption and implementation of cash grants. The study uncovered reasons why government social protection policies often fall short, particularly regarding cash grants, which face resistance due to negative perceptions and attitudes among policy actors.

What was the best part of your studies?

While there were many aspects of my studies that I enjoyed, the best part was the lectures. The rich mix of students from different countries with different academic backgrounds, all seeking to unpack food security, produced enriching discussions. The highlight was the day we were each required to draft individual commitments to contribute to the achievement of food security in our different spaces.

How does your degree prepare you for your future?

The degree prepared me for my role as a programme specialist responsible for the planning implementation, monitoring and evaluation of social protection programmes. I now engage in different processes, aware of the nuances of the different aspects of social protection and food security.

What lessons have learned while studying that you can pass on to the younger generation?

Undertaking postgraduate studies after a few years of work experience can be a rewarding undertaking. It allows one to combine academic literature and theories with what one has experienced in the field which makes it easy to undertake groundbreaking research.

Do you think the youth should be interested in agriculture? What would you say to encourage them to take more interest?

Yes, the youth should be interested in agriculture. Agriculture is the fulcrum of the economy of many countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Given the average unemployment rate of 9.66% across 52 African countries in 2021, agriculture can be an important and sustainable source of employment for the youth. Agriculture contributes approximately 25% of GDP in several developing countries. The involvement of the youth in agriculture is not only important for ensuring the growth of the sector but equally crucial to strengthening local food systems, feeding communities and providing gainful employment opportunities for the world’s ever-growing population.

We thank Dr Mugore for sharing his research with us and extend our congratulations on his outstanding achievement. We do not doubt that his research will inform and inspire future scholars and policymakers in their efforts to develop effective social protection policies that are necessary for the achievement of food security and nutrition.

You can read more about his research in his publication here.