Middle East and North Arica local service delivery initiative : promoting social accountability and demand for good governance

Good governance is an underlying condition for the formulation of effective and efficient public policies, programs, and services. It implies a social contract and adherence to rules and laws that enable improved interaction between government and constituents on transparency, accountability, and participation. Good governance is equitable and inclusive, responsive and consensus-oriented. Social accountability approaches aim to improve the performance of public services, user satisfaction, and value for money. This can be done through analytical work, interventions, sensitization efforts, increased citizen consultations, and participation by and capacity building for NGOs, the media, local communities, and the private sector. [authors abstract]