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Sylvia Szabo, Sinead Mowlds, Joan Manuel Claros, et al.

of technologies. Continuous innovations in both data collection and data use are critical to ensure
efficiency gains. Innovative data use techniques include the use of mobile applications for progress
monitoring. An example of such an initiative developed by the Myanmar Nutrition Technical Net-
work which uses mobile applications to monitor the status of implementing of the code for market-
ing breast milk substitutes in the country. Another example is the development of a micro-tasking
platform run by volunteer scientists to monitor the state of tropical forests. This project combines
innovative approaches for data collection, dissemination, and data use by combining science, volun-
teering, and advocacy. It proposes a new approach for conservation by allowing larger public to gain
access to data on deforestation of tropical forests, including high resolution satellite images of fo-
rested regions and the levels of deforestation (Civicus, 2016).
Fourth, institution framework constitutes an underlying principle for accountability, including in
relation to data use. Two terms define the concept of institutional accountability in the health and
social sectors, i.e., answerability and enforceability (George, 2003). They are equally relevant
when considering FNS data. Answerability refers to information that should be provided to various
stakeholders to keep them abreast of issues, while enforcement involves the mechanisms that are
needed when there is lack of or ineffective action. This concept adopts a human rights based ap-
proach that directly links providers and users (through dialogue and negotiation) and can be effective
if improved transparency is promoted as a crucial mechanism to improve services (McNeil and
Mumvuma, 2006; Joshi, 2013).
For example, in 2014, Nigeria created an independent body to help track progress towards
achieving the goals of the maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) roadmap. The modality the
Nigeria Independent Accountability Mechanism (NIAM) adopted was to use a scorecard and directly
interface with the government led steering Committee on MNCH. NIAM comprised of representa-
tives from the media, civil society, and health professionals have begun to appraise government’s
efforts to achieve its commitments and goals (Garba and Bandali, 2014). While NIAM is facing a
daunting task, one key recommendation being made is for the current administration of Muhammad
Buhari; to set up a Presidential Taskforce on Data for Accountability and Development as part of
his change mantra. Until and unless information and data can be generated before and after the va-
riables, the attempts to evaluate change would be whimsical and transient. Based on the work under-
taken in the area of MNCH, policy makers should draw from NIAM to advance accountability in
nutrition, food security, and agriculture. Linking the data and accountability mechanisms across nu-
trition, health, and agriculture would allow data users to conduct more integrated analyses; thus,
leading to further advancing evidence for both nutrition and MNCH.
Finally, as data users’ experience has shown, better data on financial resources for improved nutri-
tion and more details on how these resources reach people on the ground would advance both ac-
countability and evidence-based decision-making. Data production and reporting practices affect the
availability and quality of data; therefore, affecting the ability to conduct meaningful analysis. While
progress occurred in recent years, data gaps still exist. Substantial improvements can result from
increased granularity. Reporting by activity rather than by project and geo-coded information would
allow a more accurate tracking at national and sub-national level. More granular information on be-
neficiaries would increase knowledge on who can be reached by which interventions, support-
ing better targeting to the people most in need. Disaggregation should be done by gender, age, in-
come, disability, geography (including sub-national) and displacement status. Financial information
reporting should favour disbursements as they represent how much each donor has actually spent in
a given year. While commitments are useful information, they represent just how much a country
agreed to spend in a given year, often over a given period of time. A timelier reporting system would
allow a more rapid assessment of resources allocation and improve the effectiveness of accountabil-
ity mechanisms.

International Journal of Population Studies | 2016, Volume 2, Issue 1 73