Premium
The potential of ICT ‐supported participatory communication interventions to challenge local power dynamics: Lessons from the case of T ogo
Author(s) -
Breuer Anita,
Blomenkemper Laura,
Kliesch Stefan,
Salzer Franziska,
Schädler Manuel,
Schweinfurth Valentin,
Virchow Stephen
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
the electronic journal of information systems in developing countries
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.41
H-Index - 18
ISSN - 1681-4835
DOI - 10.1002/isd2.12026
Subject(s) - information and communications technology , citizen journalism , corporate governance , psychological intervention , intervention (counseling) , power (physics) , public relations , political science , business , psychology , finance , psychiatry , law , physics , quantum mechanics
This paper adds to the debate on the contribution of ICT towards improving the quality of local governance. The data presented were collected during the scoping phase of an ICT‐based participation platform aimed at improving local governance in Togo. We combine original data from a social network analysis and a representative household survey. Based on these data, we conclude that the success of ICT interventions to transform local power structures depends on their adequate adaption to the political and technical environment. Decisions about the stage of the public policy cycle at which ICT projects intervene must be informed by the nature of local power relations and the distribution of access to ICT and participation opportunities across the intervention's target population.