Challenges

• High instances of petty corruption during interactions between citizens and public servants, compromising the legitimacy of the government.

• 70.6% of Afghans cite corruption as a major problem in their daily lives.

• 26% of Afghans report having to pay a bribe in the past 12 months.

• Corruption is highly detrimental to the Afghan economy and national development.

• According to Integrity Watch Afghanistan, Afghans pay USD 2 billion each year in bribes to public servants in return for services; UNODC estimates this figure to be two times higher.

• Lack of trust in reporting mechanisms and government efforts to combat corruption.

• Only 25% of Afghans agree that there has been some progress in reducing corruption in any public institution.

MAGENTA’s Role

• We conducted formative research to gain insights into the social and behavioural drivers of petty corruption in the justice and security sectors and the drivers of corrupt behaviours in Afghanistan.

• We compiled and analysed our research findings in a Citizen Journey Mapping report and a Barrier Analysis report.

• We used our research findings to develop an SBC framework and workshopped the framework with key stakeholders.

• We developed a draft communications strategy based on the SBC framework and stakeholder insights to promote positive behaviours to combat corruption.

• We discussed the draft strategy and outreach activities with Afghans to ensure practicality and effectiveness.

• We provided a final communications strategy to UNDP, including a multi-year action plan and M&E framework.

 Social & Behavioural Change Insights

• Afghans believe that corruption is against their religion, morals and values; despite this, they are able to morally and practically justify corrupt actions.

  • “Yeah there are some types of bribe which are acceptable to us with paying less money. But totally giving bribe is a bad action and it is forbidden in our religion Islam.”

• Afghans have low awareness of correct service procedures and reporting mechanisms.

  • “When we don’t have information about the process of the work, we will pay bribe.”

• Afghans face retribution if they choose to report corruption.

  • “If they know that reporting corruption won’t damage them and their family, they should go report corruption.”

• Busy, crowded, chaotic nature of offices contributes significantly to opportunities for corruption.

  • “I want to go to Iran and was supposed to get a marriage certificate, so when I went there it was so crowded and I paid them to do the process sooner.”

• There are currently no social sanctions for paying bribes.

*All quotations are from focus group discussions conducted by MAGENTA in Afghanistan.

Communications Approach

• A comprehensive SBC communications strategy and messaging campaign design.

• Engaging citizens to take ownership and responsibility for corruption in their communities.

• Community and national level activities to engage citizens and service providers by encouraging positive behaviours regarding participation in and reporting of corruption.

• Developing mechanisms for disseminating information about proper legal service procedures.

• Human-centered design guidelines and safe to fail activity recommendations.

The Nudges - For Citizens

• Government Service Application: A free-to-download Android app that aims to enhance citizens’ accessibility to and knowledge of public services and provide them an outlet to voice concerns and provide feedback on their experiences.

• Posted Information: Provide information about the steps required to obtain the desired service or product and the costs at each step in public places (government offices, hospitals, government websites, etc.). The information was included in an audio format in order to accommodate illiterate individuals.

• Feedback and Reporting System: A feedback system through both the app and using in-person enumerators will allow citizens to voice their opinions and create accountability for service.

• Fast-Track: This nudge would promote the use of Asan Khedmat as a legal fast-track option for accessing services in a shorter-than-standard amount of time.

• Automated Queuing System: A formal queuing system, whereby citizens pull a number upon arrival to the office and wait their turn to be served, mitigating the disorganised office environment.

The Nudges - For Service Providers

• Anti-Corruption Pledge: Service providers will be asked to take a pledge against corruption and will be asked to wear a badge on their shirts while in the office stating that they have taken this pledge.  

• Corruption Competition: A Corruption Competition will be held between various government offices, with each office ranked according to how corrupt it is judged to be. 

• Reminders of the Consequences: Once a month, an expert will visit a government office and speak to the service providers about corruption, its consequences, and what can be done to avoid and prevent it. 

• Receiving Feedback: Citizen feedback on the quality and transparency of services provided in each office will be shared with service providers collectively through their manager. This feedback will focus on the office as a whole instead of individual service providers.

• Integrity Champion: The Integrity Champion is a role assigned to one person in each office every quarter, based on the results of an election held within the office. The responsibilities of the Integrity Champion include promoting integrity and transparency among staff in the office and acting as a focal point to whom citizens can submit complaints. 

• Employee of the Month: An Employee of the Month system will be set up in offices, with the criteria for monthly recognition based specifically on the transparency and accountability of the employee. The selected employee will receive both a small financial bonus and will also be recognized publicly for their achievement.