The Construction of Policy: Donors, AIDS and Cultural Practices

Abstract In this chapter I explore the dynamics of the policy development process and I examine theories of policy implementation. By focusing on narratives, I show that the policy process is not characterised by rational policymaking but by people’s views and interpretations. First, I analyse the process of policy construction. Second, I look at the aid game in Malawi. Third, I look at how these narratives have been passed on through education. Fourth, I present data from interviews I conducted with UNAIDS to present stakeholders’ responses to the question Does your organisation use evidence to inform policy and programmatic decisions on HIV/AIDS? I argue there are a wide range of stakeholders involved in policy construction and implementation. These stakeholders include large, and powerful bilateral and multilateral agencies, such as DFID, USAID and the World Bank, as well as international Non-governmental organisations, national NGOs, international and national faith-based organisations, and the organs of the Malawi government, both at the national and the district levels, each with its own vested interests and each with its own policies. Therefore I argue the evidence produced to apply policies is not objective but narratives shaped by various policy agendas and interests of the elites.