A proper consultation process often requires extensive resources to implement. This can be in the form of expertise, software, logistics, etc., especially if implemented at the local level. A proper consultation methodology also requires the use of direct, mobile, and internet strategies in order to involve all target groups to ensure a proper representation and have a number of citizens from each target group reached.<\/p>\n

This challenge of limited sources can be solved through creating partnerships with civil society organizations and reaching numerous funders (including the government), or even citizens.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, civic technology companies can embrace the use of free or open-source tools such as social media or pre-made platforms that can be repurposed.<\/p>\n

Current internet transformations and growing numbers of internet users are forcing governments of developing countries to increase the use of e-governance strategies \u2014 having them invest large sums of money in tech-based solutions that can transform government operations and make their work more efficient and smarter.<\/p>\n

Competition<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Citizens are already active on the existing platforms like social networks such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter and this makes it difficult to have them migrate over to new similar platforms geared towards citizen participation. For example, a dissatisfied citizen would easily express this on a social media account of a ministry rather than lodging a complaint on the official ministry website. The\u00a0social media space in Uganda<\/a> is currently dominated by Facebook taking up to 57.4% of the social media users, Pinterest taking 25.09%, Twitter taking up 11.74%, YouTube taking up 4.01% and Instagram taking 1.13%. CivicTech platforms find difficulty competing with these existing platforms for active users and end up dying out. The solution to this is to not invest in the development of additional platforms where similar platforms already exist or build tools that complement the already in use platforms.<\/p>\n

Limited Internet Access<\/strong><\/h2>\n

CivicTech platforms are used differently by different groups of individuals. In most cases, marginalized communities would require offline platforms because of the poor internet connectivity in certain areas, lack of access to internet-enabled devices, or challenges of internet affordability. This creates challenges for the use of internet-based platforms. To solve this, both offline and online versions of the tools should be considered to allow participation from marginalized groups.<\/p>\n

Undoubtedly, technology is changing the relationship between citizens and their leaders. And this change is crucial for creating a more networked society and enabling greater collaboration among citizens. All this has a wide-ranging impact on how public services are organized and delivered, and in turn, determines the quality of life of the regular citizens.\u00a0But before diving into building these platforms we must ensure that they are sustainable and usable. Otherwise, we might end up creating thousands of platforms without making any real difference.<\/mark><\/p>\n

By\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Arthur Kakande<\/em><\/strong><\/a>, Communications Lead at\u00a0<\/em><\/strong>Pollicy<\/em><\/strong><\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

fail \/fe\u026al\/ “To be unsuccessful in achieving one\u2019s goal.” Online […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1149,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[5],"tags":[17],"class_list":["post-962","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-civic-technology","tag-civic-technology"],"yoast_head":"\n