Review of Impact and Effectiveness of Transparency and Accountability Initiatives: Synthesis Report

Abstract

Transparency and accountability have emerged over the past decade as key ways to address both developmental failures and democratic deficits. In the development context, the argument is that through greater accountability, ‘leaky pipes’ of corruption and inefficiency will be repaired, aid will be channelled more effectively, and in turn development initiatives will produce greater and more visible results. Commissioned by the UK Department of International Development (DFID) to inform the Transparency and Accountability Initiative, this new report takes stock of the transparency and accountability work in five related sectors: public service delivery; budget processes; freedom of information; natural resource governance; and aid transparency