This paper proposes a theoretical framework designed to analyse the governance dynamics of wild meat global value chains, aiming to achieve sustainable governance of wild meat global value chains. In the study, the five different types of global value chain governance—hierarchy, captive, relational, modular, and market—as defined by Gereff et al. (2005), are used to evaluate the features of three literature-based wild meat value chain integration systems: fully integrated, partial, and independent systems. The study conducted a systematic scoping analysis of literature and data published between 2000 and 2023 from the five African sub-regions: North, Central, East, West, and Southern Africa. Formal and informal institutions, systems, and structures controlling wild meat trade and value chains were assessed and categorised with the aid of Atlas.Ti software version 8.1 for coding themes, tracking relationships, and determining linkages in the system. The theory demonstrates how governance tools and accountability systems can be utilised to standardise procedures, ensure traceability, and address sustainability and legal considerations when navigating the complexities of sourcing and selling wild meat from regional markets to international markets.

Ndlovu, W. (2025) “The Bolts and Nuts for Achieving Sustainable Wild Meat Global Value Chains Governance: A Theoretical Framework | African Journal of Public Administration and Environmental Studies,” African Journal of Public Administration and Environmental Studies, 4(1), pp. 331–348. Available at: https://journals.co.za/doi/full/10.31920/2753-3182/2025/v4n1a16 (Accessed: June 9, 2025).