1. Lecture Two – The Policy Process
John K. Gwanyemba
Lecturer - TICD
DEVELOPMENT POLICY
2. Policy is produced by the policy process, which is normally
conceptualized as a cycle.
Тhe policy process is normally initiated by a political decision (usually
in the form of general declaration of policy objectives),
Followed by detailed policy development that produces options for
more specific political decisions on the policy instrument to be enacted
(passed).
Once enacted, the instrument is implemented and subsequently
assessed, which in turn may lead to further policy development (and
possibly amendments to the instrument)
or even to reconsideration and modification of the initial political
decision.
The Policy Process
Lecture Two - The Policy Process 2
3. The need for new policies or for changes in the existing policies
may come from various sources.
Parliament Representative, the Government, or community
members as a group have the right to propose adoption of a policy
or law.
In reality, the need for most of the policies and legislation will
stem from the Government Program.
There will, however, be other issues that are not directly linked
with the Government process and will have to be resolved by
proposing new policies or changes in existing policies or
legislation.
The Policy Process Cont.…
Lecture Two - The Policy Process 3
4. Whatever the source, it is important to ensure that appropriate
policy process is organized in ministries and other state
administration bodies to enable development of policies.
The policy process is therefore structured through specific stages
or cycle.
The stages are systematic as each stage depends on another
If one stage is overlooked or ignored the whole process is affected.
The Policy Process Cont.…
Lecture Two - The Policy Process 4
6. 1. Setting the Policy Agenda – Decision Making
Defining priority problems
Defining main policy objectives
2. Formulation/Development
Identifying options
Policy options assessment
Policy development – development of tools (regulations)
Regulation impact assessment
The Policy Process (The BiH – UNDP Cycle)
Lecture Two - The Policy Process 6
7. 3. Legitimizing
Adoption of a political decision
Policy promotion and acceptance
4. Implementation
Administration
Coordination
Monitoring of the implementation quality and direct
results
The Policy Process (The BiH – UNDP Cycle)
Lecture Two - The Policy Process 7
8. 5. Evaluation (Assessment) and Amendment
Results assessment
Proposal for policy continuation, amendment
or abolishment
The Policy Process (The BiH – UNDP Cycle)
Lecture Two - The Policy Process 8
10. Stage 1: Issue Identification and Policy Definition - Scoping
• The first question to ask in the policy process is whether the issue
requires a new policy or is better addressed through other means.
If a new policy is required, a synopsis – or, in the case of significant
issues, a discussion paper – should be prepared that identifies:
• A briefing note outlining the need for the proposed policy should
be presented to Senior Management or Council for resolution to
proceed with the development of the policy
The LG-NRM Policy Process Cycle
Lecture Two - The Policy Process 10
11. Stage 1: Issue Identification and Policy Definition - Scoping
• The first question to ask in the policy process is whether the issue
requires a new policy or is better addressed through other means.
• If a new policy is required, a synopsis – or, in the case of significant
issues, a discussion paper – should be prepared.
• A briefing note outlining the need for the proposed policy should
be presented to Senior Management or Council for resolution to
proceed with the development of the policy
The LG-NRM Policy Process Cycle
Lecture Two - The Policy Process 11
12. Stage 2: Clarify Policy Issues and Options
• Work in this stage should be guided by a small Team or Steering
Committee with representation from each of the Areas within the
sector or country/place and other agencies if required.
• The involvement of representatives from across the country/place
is particularly important as it is through such involvement from
the outset that whole-of-place ownership of the policy is taken.
• The issue clarification and option review stage is crucial to the
success of the policy development process.
• It is the stage when key issues and objectives are clarified,
strategies are developed and the feasibility of options tested.
The LG-NRM Policy Process Cycle
Lecture Two - The Policy Process 12
13. Stage 3: Consultation
• The Project Team manages the consultation arrangements approved in
Stage 1.
• It is important that the aims and objectives of consultation are clearly
identified and communicated with stakeholders before proceeding with
the consultation process.
• Consultation is done so that stakeholders are aware of why they are
being consulted, how the consultation process will work, and how much
influence they can realistically hope to have in decision-making.
• The techniques used should clarify the perspectives of those affected by
a policy and ensure the stakeholders and public have effective and
appropriate input into developing policies.
• The process and strategy for consultation should be identified in the
initial scoping paper
The LG-NRM Policy Process Cycle cont.…
Lecture Two - The Policy Process 13
14. Stage 4: Approval
•This stage involves approval of the
parliament/cabinet or any respective
authoritative body ready for implementation
of the policy
The LG-NRM Policy Process Cycle cont.…
Lecture Two - The Policy Process 14
15. Stage 5: Implementation
• Preparation for the implementation of the policy should occur
throughout the policy development process.
• The mechanisms for implementing the policy need to be
developed and tested through the consultation and analysis
undertaken in earlier stages.
• The final policy should include an implementation plan that
identifies performance measures, key deliverables and
responsibilities for implementation.
The LG-NRM Policy Process Cycle cont.…
Lecture Two - The Policy Process 15
16. Stage 6: Evaluation and Review
• This stage closes the policy cycle and contributes to
issue identification and ongoing refinement of
policies in response to changing circumstances.
• Policies should identify when and how they will be
reviewed to determine whether they are still
required, whether they need refinement or whether
a new policy is required.
The LG-NRM Policy Process Cycle cont.…
Lecture Two - The Policy Process 16
18. Organize yourself into a group of 3 to 4 people do a literature
review and prepare 1 to 5 decorated PowerPoint slides on
policy process in Tanzania and send to
gwanyembajk@gmail.com on or before 05th October 2021.
Presentation will be made in the class between 10th -15th
October 2021.
Lecture Two - The Policy Process 18
Group Assignment No.1
