Stakeholder Analysis of Developing Desirable, Affordable, and Sustainable Food Baskets in Iran – 2023 Publisher



Veysi Z ; Shahrdami F ; Mohammadinasrabadi F ; Abdolahi M ; Hoshyarrad A ; Pourghaderi M ; Abdollahi Z ; Dehghani A
Source: Iranian Journal of Nutrition Sciences and Food Technology Published:2025

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Food baskets are used by policymakers as a reference for developing strategies to address food-related issues and to promote desirable dietary choices. Stakeholder analysis, as one of the fundamental steps in designing food baskets, can support advocacy efforts by both policymakers and the public. This is because, throughout the process, the hidden barriers and opportunities within each stakeholder organization—along with their power, position, and influence—are identified. This study aimed to identify the key stakeholders involved in the desirable, affordable, and sustainable food basket policy for Iranian society in 2023 (1402 in the Iranian calendar). Materials & Methods: This was a qualitative study. Data were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. The interviews were analyzed using Maxqda10 software, 2020 version. Based on Schmeer’s stakeholder analysis guideline, each stakeholder’s level of knowledge and awareness, as well as their power, position, influence, and multiple interests or roles, were assessed. Results: Among the stakeholders studied, the National Nutrition and Food Technology Research Institute, the School of Nutritional Sciences and Food Technology at Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, and the Community Nutrition Improvement Office at the Ministry of Health were identified as having high power and awareness, with a supportive stance toward policy formulation. The Secretariat of the Supreme Council of Health and Food Security and Tehran University of Medical Sciences held moderate power but also supported the policy. None of the stakeholders had low levels of knowledge or awareness, nor did any take an opposing stance. All had, in some form, supported the intended policy. Conclusion: The findings of this study indicate that most key stakeholders in the fields of health and nutrition such as the National Nutrition Research Institute, the Community Nutrition Office of the Ministry of Health, and medical universities possess the power, knowledge, and supportive positions necessary to influence the development of desirable, affordable, and sustainable food basket policies. These results suggest that strategic stakeholder analysis prior to policy formulation can enhance inter-organizational coordination and increase the likelihood of policy success. Accordingly, it is recommended that policymakers integrate comprehensive stakeholder analysis into their decision-making processes before developing or revising food basket policies. © 2025 Elsevier B.V., All rights reserved.