The role of open government data in advancing public sector transparency and accountability: Evidence from Tanzania agricultural hub

Abstract

This study investigates the role of Open Government Data in promoting transparency and accountability within Tanzania's rural agricultural sector, with a focus on communities in Kwimba District, Mwanza Region. The study adapted Collaborative Governance Theory and evaluated how four critical dimensions of Open Government Data; accessibility, timeliness and accuracy, stakeholder engagement, and citizen empowerment, influence transparency and accountability. A mixed-methods design was applied, combining quantitative data from 168 AMCOS-affiliated farmers with qualitative insights from 12 key informants, including government officials, civil society actors, and private sector stakeholders.

The findings indicate that the most powerful drivers to deliver improved governance outcomes are citizen empowerment, timeliness and accuracy of information, followed by accessibility and stakeholders’ involvement. Structural barriers like poor digital infrastructure, languages, and high cost of internet continue to hinder efficient use of Open Government Data platforms in rural areas. Qualitative evidence shows that the majority of these websites or platforms remain disconnected with the daily lives of citizens, especially marginalized groups like women and smallholder farmers.

The study contributes to the enhancement of Collaborative Governance Theory to explain the extended role of structural issues like inclusive platform, access to language and gender, design and civic capacity. The study proposes real-world interventions like localization of online tools, routine data update procedures, formalized feedback systems, and integrating data literacy into agricultural extension services.