Exploring accountability for environmental civil society organisations in Cameroon and the Republic of Congo

This thesis investigates the perceptions and practices of accountability by environmental civil society organisations (CSOs) in Cameroon and (the Republic of) Congo. In a context of increased scrutiny over the work and life of CSOs, and overwhelming acknowledgement by researchers and practitioners that, as critical as accountability is, clarity is needed on how CSOs interact with their partners, discharge accountability when demanded or not, and navigate multiple demands. The social capital and brokerage theories serve as the framework for this research. They jointly offer the unique opportunity for exploring formal and informal features of accountability, while locating the targeted CSOs in one of their main roles – development partners for international, national, and local actors. Through a combination of archival research, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and direct observation, all underscored by a constructionist research paradigm, four layers are investigated: individuals, organisations, and country and international contexts. This all happens within and around three case study organisations based in Yaounde and Brazzaville. Reflexive Thematic Analysis is used for making sense of the data and characterising selected themes. The results suggest that CSO leaders and staff members are always playing a balancing act between their perceptions and practices. Accountability is praised as one of the most important guiding principles for an organisation, as a good thing with the potential of improving reputation, trustworthiness, sustainability, and effective programme delivery. However, it is also the epitome of a profound divide between powerholders and others. It is the ultimate line of distinction between those with some of the most critical resources, such as information, capacities, and funding, on the one hand, and those in need of such resources, on the other hand. In many a situation, CSOs act as brokers who perpetuate and exacerbate these inequalities. Yet, in a few instances, they wield their social capital to affect, disrupt and subvert the prevailing order. This is mainly achieved through strategic use of informality, camaraderie, and friendship. The thesis contributes to the literature on CSO accountability by developing a framework that links brokerage and social capital theories to unveil so-far neglected aspects of power negotiation and informality. In addition, it advances the fledgling debate on accountability in an understudied context. It also offers practical contributions for CSOs leaders who are mindful of the critical role of partnership in the sustainability and effectiveness of their organisations.

Name dc:type.qualificationname

PhD

Grantor dc:publisher.institution

University of Wolverhampton

Year dc:date.issued

2025

Author dc:creator

• Nkuintchua, Teodyl

Advisors dc:contributor.advisor

• Slater, Rachel
• Iafrati, Steve
• Caulfield, Laura

• accountability
• civil society organisations
• brokers
• social capital
• informality
• perceptions
• practice
• Cameroon
• Republic of Congo

Licence

• https://wlv.openrepository.com/bitstreams/5e6e3031-d99d-450c-bcf8-9a949d475e12/download