Transparency and Accountability in the Extractives Sector: A Synthesis of What Works and What Does Not

Abstract

While there are a number of transparency and accountability initiatives in the natural resources governance sector, evidence on the impact of these initiative remains sparse. This paper synthesises key lessons from seven impact evaluations of these initiatives in the extractives sector. The synthesis shows that providing information alone may not be sufficient. Instead, information combined with deliberations positively affect knowledge, trust and demand for accountability. Information leads to higher levels of trust only when shared with the public and not when it is solely in the hands of political elites. There is very little evidence on the relative effectiveness of various modalities of sharing information, deliberation and their combinations. Similarly, need exists for more evidence on the role of technology and big data in informing the design and evaluation of these initiatives. There is also a substantial evidence gap on the gendered differential impacts of extractives on women and on ensuring equitable access to resources from the extractive industries.