CROWDSOURCING FOR DEVELOPMENT: EXPLORING THE RELEVANCE OF OPEN COLLABORATION IN ENHANCING CITIZENS’ CONTRIBUTION TO DEVELOPMENT IN THE TAMALE METROPOLIS OF GHANA

Abstract

This thesis embarked on an exploration of the Open Collaboration (OC) Crowdsourcing model as a relevant tool in enhancing the general participation and contribution of local community groups to the development of the Tamale Metropolis. In carrying out this mandate, the Mixed Methods Research Approach was adopted with Exploratory Sequential as the Design. A Questionnaire and two separate interview guides were adopted for the data collection exercise. Twenty-five (25) interviews were first conducted consisting of leaders of the selected groups and NGOs. One hundred (100) questionnaires were administered using Google forms technology. The qualitative data were transcribed and analysed with the aid of Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis Software (CAQDAS) and results were presented thematically. The quantitative data were also analysed using the SPSS version 23, and results were presented using descriptive statistics. The study revealed that social media adoption and usage is higher amongst; Smart phone and computer users (92 percent), community group members who attained higher education (44 percent), and likewise those who could not attain higher education (57 percent). It was also recognised that males dominated the community development support groups. The study concludes that 61 percent agreed that they used social media to participate in community development, hence, adopting Open Collaboration by the use of social media will enhance citizens’ participation and contribution to development in Tamale. The study however recommends that community groups using social media should always register with the necessary authorities to enhance their visibility. Again, there must be adequate appraisal for the citizens in order to enhance their active and continuous contribution to open collaboration campaigns.