Can information improve rural governance and service delivery?



View results in:
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.worlddev.2018.07.017
Type: 
journal article
Journal: 
World Development
Number: 
January 2020
Volume: 
125
Author(s): 
Kosec K.
Wantchekon L.
Publisher(s): 
Description: 

In the context of an exponential rise in access to information in the last two decades, this special issue explores when and how information might be harnessed to improve governance and public service delivery in rural areas. Information is a critical component of government and citizens’ decision-making; therefore, improvements in its availability and reliability stand to benefit many dimensions of governance, including service delivery. Service delivery is especially difficult in rural areas which contain the majority of the world’s poor but face unique logistical challenges due to their remoteness. This paper reviews the features of the recent information revolution, including increased access to information due to both technological and institutional innovations. The authors then raise the question of why information often fails to support the goals of improved governance and service delivery

Publication year: 
2020
Keywords: 
Information
Service delivery
governance
Rural areas
accountability