Analysis of Colombian public alimentary and nutritional policies: an approximation to the epistemological, theoretical and methodological stands in the years 2000-2015

Abstract

This paper addresses the conceptions with which the analysis of alimentary and nutritional public policies during 2000 and 2015 have been elaborated. Theoretical considerations are proposed for the approach of a broad spectrum of what could be classified as public policy analysis in the framework of a more extensive field; it is the case of public policy studies. A qualitative methodological design was elaborated, based on the documentary analysis of the 36 texts that contain analytical contributions to the formulation, implementation and evaluation of the sector policies. In conclusion, the different theoretical, methodological and disciplinary postures indicate that the alimentary and nutritional security is the guiding axis of alimentary and nutritional policy studies, according to the sequential approach (public policy cycle), without explicit reference to the scope and limitations of the aforementioned approach as a theoretical or methodological strategy for the study of the public policies procedure. Likewise, methodologies that favor numeric classifications and criteria, as well as the perceptions of the actors, were found. Finally, the social sciences and health sciences are knowledge branches that provide useful recommendations and guidelines to reflect on what these policies ought to be.