On Thursday, September 26th, 2024, the Innovation Lab for Policy Leadership in Agriculture and Food Security (PiLAF) in partnership with Policy Support for Economic Group (PSEG) hosted a thought-provoking session Interstate Agricultural Policy Dialogue Series. The focus of this session was Systems Thinking for Policy Planning and Implementation, presented by Professor Laura Schmitt Olabisi, Ph.D., from Michigan State University. The event, held at the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development at the University of Ibadan, brought together individuals from diverse fields, both physically and virtually, for an engaging exploration into the intricacies of systems thinking in policy-making.
Professor Olabisi began by introducing the concept of systems thinking, emphasizing that it is a crucial approach for understanding the interconnectedness within complex environments, especially in policy development. She explained that systems thinking moves beyond viewing policies as standalone solutions to isolated problems. Instead, it encourages a more holistic perspective, where multiple factors interact to create outcomes that are often more far-reaching than initially anticipated. She advocated that policymakers need to adopt a broader lens when approaching societal challenges.
One of the key insights she shared was the idea that policies, even when motivated by positive intentions, can have unintended negative consequences if not analyzed through a systems thinking approach. Professor Olabisi highlighted common system archetypes, patterns of behaviour that recur within systems, often leading to unexpected outcomes. She demonstrated how certain policy decisions might temporarily solve one problem but create new challenges elsewhere. This point resonated deeply with the audience, particularly as they reflected on policies they had observed or been involved in.
A notable example raised by some of the participants during the event was the recent removal of fuel subsidies by the Nigerian government. They alluded that while the government intended to cut down on unsustainable spending and redirect resources to other areas of development, the removal triggered a series of unintended consequences. The economy felt an immediate ripple effect, with a sharp rise in transportation costs, inflation, and increased prices for basic commodities.
As the discussion unfolded, participants expressed their insights and concerns, recognizing that policies should never be developed in isolation. Professor Olabisi stressed that effective policy planning requires a systems perspective, which involves considering how various aspects of society, the economy, and the environment interact. By thinking in terms of systems, policymakers can better predict and address potential consequences, creating policies that are more sustainable, inclusive, and adaptive to change.
The event left participants with a crucial takeaway: as stakeholders in policy development, we must shift away from viewing issues in isolation and start thinking in terms of systems. This shift allows us to craft policies that not only address immediate concerns but also contribute to holistic and long-term development.