The role of sector-specific SDG policies, governance quality and finance for SDG progress

This study examines the role of three country-level factors for progress on SDGs in agri-food and financial sectors across 167 United Nations Member States. First, the role of governance quality in terms of three governance indicators (government effectiveness, regulatory quality and rule of law); second, the role of financial support from international organizations; and third, the role of sector-specific SDG policies. The results from PLS-SEM and panel regression analyses indicate that sector-specific SDG policies have a statistically significant but minimal impact on SDG progress. Governance quality is positively associated with SDG progress, with high-income countries relying more on governance effectiveness and regulatory quality, and low-income countries relying on the rule of law. We have weak evidence that increasing bank credit to the agri-food sector boosts SDG progress, especially in lower-middle-income countries. Implications for policymakers aiming to enhance SDG progress arise from the need to improve governance quality.