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This paper from the Institute of Development Studies explores new approaches to understanding policy processes, drawing on case studies from sub-Saharan Africa and Bangladesh. When policy processes are seen as non-linear, political and haphazard, new factors need to be taken into account. In identifying these factors, policy processes can be influenced more effectively.

This enables a sustainable livelihoods (SL) approach to be promoted more effectively by those who advocate it. A SL approach to policy processes emphasises cross-sectorality (several sectors are looked at holistically, in terms of an overall policy of SL). It also stresses focusing on the micro (local) level and macro-micro linkages, including and involving poor people in decision-making, making trade-offs between different policy aims and emphasising the policy process, recognising that it is flexible and dynamic.

Four tools of analysis have been identified as key to understanding policy processes in complex environments:

• Understanding the governance contexts that shape policy-making: For example the type of regime, the bureaucratic culture, the type of issue and other policies that may dominate the political scene. Be aware that governance contexts can change as the environment changes.
• Identifying policy narratives that frame policy problems and identify whose interests they serve.
• Mapping the networks of policy actors. These can be informal and cross national – they are not necessarily networks identified by rational political analysis.
• Identifying policy spaces (opportunities for change). These may not be obvious at the time.

Understanding how these factors apply in a particular context will identify avenues for change and enable policy to be influenced in a more effective manner. In this way a SL approach can be integrated more effectively. Policy processes can be influenced by:

• Identifying policy narratives that limit thinking and trying to change or marginalise them. Creating counter-narratives or stressing marginalised narratives that are pro-poor and inclusionary to reframe problems.
• Building new networks, or join or strengthen existing networks. In terms of SL this would mean constructing or strengthening cross-sectoral links and macro and micro networks.
• Being open to, and making use of, policy spaces when they occur.