Table 1 Aquatic foods policy attributes and example quotes

Addressing social barriers (recognitional justice)

Policies fail to acknowledge social difference or recognize structural barriers. When they do, they inadvertently blame the disadvantaged.

“These risks may then be compounded …; which will lead to another generation of malnourished mothers, who will in turn replicate the cycle” (Sudan Nutrition Policy 2009)

Policies acknowledge social difference, that structural barriers exist and that challenges are intersectional.

“[The] nutritionally vulnerable (pregnant women, lactating women, infants and young children 0–23 months old) and nutritionally-affected (those who are already malnourished), from poor families and communities have less access to resources and services...” and “... the problem for achieving optimum complementary feeding is not simply rooted in income” (Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition 2017–2022s)

Policies centre justice, equity and human rights.

“Nutrition also is a basic human right, with both equity and equality related to eliminating malnutrition and ensuring human development” (Bangladesh Nutrition Policy 2015). “Support the food rights approaches” (Gambia Nutrition Policy 2010–20). “Government’s actions will be guided by the principle of equity in all aspects of the sector” (Liberia Food Security & Nutrition strategy 2008)

Addressing economic barriers (distributional justice)

Policies inadvertently place the burden of change on the disadvantaged.

“Identify opportunities where women can provide useful inputs to the development of the fishery. Identify opportunities for women to add value to fishery products. Increase the number of women employed by the support agencies and develop their linkage with women” (Bangladesh Fisheries Strategy 2006)

Clear redistributive policies that state what, to whom and how redistribution applies.

“Small-scale commercial fisherfolk shall be granted incentives... priority access [e]specially as to rural credit, with preference being given to fisheries cooperatives” (Philippine Fisheries Code 1998). “Zoning of protected areas and fishing areas for the development of the artisanal fishing activity” and “05 sea miles as a reserve zone for artisanal fishing” (Peru Fisheries Policy)

Policies clearly articulate the context of how structural barriers drive injustice and strive to avoid bias.

“Provision in the household and community of time, attention, support and skills to meet the physical, mental and social needs of the socio-economically deprived and nutritionally vulnerable groups” (Gambia Nutrition Policy 2010–20) “It will support efforts to address structural injustices in the allocation of resources necessary to give access to food. Actions planned under the strategy will pay close attention to whether there is any bias or perceived bias in the targeting of these programmes along potentially volatile social dimension, be they ethnic, income, geographic, or religious” (Liberia Food Security & Nutrition Strategy 2008)

Polices broaden the responsibility for change and open spaces to challenge stereotypes and social norms.

“Promotion of male participation in the provision of nutritional care and support for women and their families” (Gambia Nutrition Policy 2010–20)

Addressing political barriers (representational justice)

Policies lack or do not specify, how different groups can participate in decision-making processes (for example, through cooperatives, other procedural means) nor guarantee any public accountability.

There was no evidence found of a recognition of political barriers or a clear articulation of what processes are to be followed to gain representation in the policies reviewed for Sudan, Ethiopia or Finland.

Policies highlight political voice and representation as core principles to be protected, and commit to downward accountability.

“Strengthening of local democratic decision-making and implementation processes …. Key elements … include ensuring that women, youth, and those historically excluded from political decision-making participate and take action so that their particular needs are addressed .... Government and its leaders at all levels are held accountable by the households and communities that they serve for producing the results towards which this strategy aims” (Liberia Food Security & Nutrition Strategy 2008)

Policies commit to engaged governance and equitable decision-making processes that enable marginalized groups to confront power structures.

“The administration will provide access to information so that the same information base is available to all parties interested in fisheries management and development” (Liberia Fisheries & Aquaculture Strategy 2014). “It means seeking balance in the participation of men and women, closing the gaps of inequality” and “To this end, the participation of both genders in decision-making should be promoted” (Peru National Strategy for Food & Nutrition 2013–2021)