A1 Journal article (refereed)
Governance of organic cocoa production : An analysis of EU regulation through the framework of multilevel governance (2022)
Obeng, G. A. (2022). Governance of organic cocoa production : An analysis of EU regulation through the framework of multilevel governance. Development Policy Review, 40(6), Article e12625. https://doi.org/10.1111/dpr.12625
JYU authors or editors
Publication details
All authors or editors: Obeng, Godfred Adduow
Journal or series: Development Policy Review
ISSN: 0950-6764
eISSN: 1467-7679
Publication year: 2022
Publication date: 15/02/2022
Volume: 40
Issue number: 6
Article number: e12625
Publisher: Wiley
Publication country: United Kingdom
Publication language: English
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/dpr.12625
Publication open access: Openly available
Publication channel open access: Partially open access channel
Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/79876
Abstract
While organic agriculture is seen as the best way to achieve sustainable agriculture, the question of how actors in the sector can help remains unresolved. This article seeks to contribute to the global determination to resolve environmental challenges through sustainable agricultural practices grounded in multilevel governance.
Purpose
The article examines existing regulations governing the production and importation of organic cocoa.
Methods and approach
Multilevel governance is used as a theoretical and methodological tool to examine the discursive and material struggles which challenge the promotion of organic cocoa, using a content analysis of European Union (EU) regulations governing the production and importation of organic agricultural produce, including cocoa.
Findings
The article finds that the EU regulations on the production and importation of organic cocoa takes a vertical approach to multilevel governance. Organic cocoa farmers, who come lower down in the governance hierarchy, have no role in policymaking and have simply to follow these regulations.
Policy implications
The regulations seem to ignore the inputs of actors at the lower level in the hierarchy. The absence of organic producers’ (farmers’) participation in the governance architecture may inhibit conventional farmers from venturing into organic cocoa production.
Keywords: agriculture; production; organic production; organic cultivation; organic products; cocoa; sustainable development; sustainable agriculture; statutes; legislation; EU directives; administration (systems of a society); power of decision; agricultural policy
Free keywords: organic cocoa; multilevel governance; organic agriculture; regulation
Contributing organizations
Ministry reporting: Yes
Reporting Year: 2022
JUFO rating: 1
