The consumer in the process of building agricultural public policies

Abstract

Consumer as the actor in public policy building is crucial in the field of agriculture. Yet, although consumers are central actors in the formulation of public policy, there are a limited number of publications specifically addressing the issue of their role as an actor in the process of building public policies in the area of agriculture. In the present article, a literature review was conducted to examine consumers’ function in agriculture policymaking. The review methodology answered the key research questions presented in the study and the conclusions were drawn on the review literature. The most significant findings from the literature analysis reveal that consumers influence public policy formulating through demand and, that the public policies most predominant in agriculture were based on food sustainability, self-sufficiency, and public health. Of the findings obtained, environmental science, medicine, and agricultural and biological science were the top three prolific subject areas. In the final analysis, further research needs to be done regarding the role of consumers in agriculture public policy formulations. The emphasis on consumers viewpoints in agricultural public policymaking yields successful policies and programs. Focusing on the consumer extends support to the government and other policymakers in making better policies that are effective and receptive to the consumers while achieving the goals of sustainability in agriculture.