Abstract
In citizen-centred engagement and participation, a naïve theory of change maps access to data (and the associated information and communication technologies) to transparency, accountability, and participation (TAP) outcomes. However, there are more complex data assemblages comprising the technological, political, and socio-economic elements that shape the use of data. The effectiveness of citizen-centred interventions is influenced by and contingent on many ecosystem dynamics and contextual factors—such as democratic governance, empowered citizenry, and government responsiveness. However, data remains a critical primary resource that is valorised, through multiple pathways, towards informing practice and policies and ultimately towards improving transparency, accountability, and participation. This chapter charts a data-centric journey of a Sexual Reproductive Health Services (SRHS) and Rights (SRHR) social accountability monitoring (SAM) intervention that has been piloted in six Southern African countries. Specifically, it highlights the associated technological platform’s contribution to policy information and policy outcome dimensions of transparency, its support for citizens’ voices, evidence of governments’ responsiveness in the use of the platform, and the nature and extent of citizens’ participation through the platform. Finally, the chapter discusses factors contributing to effective data valorisation towards informing practice and policies, including programmatic and country-specific factors.
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Thinyane, M., Siebörger, I., Khene, C. (2023). Technology-Mediated Transparency, Accountability, and Participation in the Realisation of Citizen-Centred Health Interventions: Case Study of MobiSAfAIDS in Southern Africa. In: Onyango, G. (eds) Public Policy and Technological Transformations in Africa. Information Technology and Global Governance. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-18704-9_13
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