Climate Change and Food Security: A Framework for Agenda Setting and Policy Analysis in Iran.

Abstract

Objectives: This study identifies the key factors contributing to Food Security (FS) in the context of Climate change (CC), aiming to foster agenda setting for FS in Iran.

Methods: This is a qualitative study. We interviewed 32 relevant stakeholders from various backgrounds. We used a mixed inductive-deductive approach in data analysis, drawing up on an adopted framework comprising of health policy triangle and selected agenda setting framework.

Results: Our analysis revealed eight constructs, eight themes, and 26 subthemes. The constructs included: common voice, leadership, scientific evidence, economic, multi-sectoral collaboration, advocacy, early warning systems, and supreme decision-making center. The main themes identified were shortcomings in: consensus, high-level political commitment, cooperation, System approach, research, planning, economic resources, and public participation. The international data gathering was limited in this study.

Conclusion: To mitigate the risk of FS in CC condition and push the emerging subject into the government agenda in Iran, we recommend reforms in the eight identified constructs and advocate a combined policy approach including three dimensions: policy integration, coherency, and coordination, through a new model of governance.