Holding government to account or helping government out? : obstacles for service delivery organizations as implementers of social accountability activities

Although social accountability has been a part of the development agenda in Cambodia for a few years, only a limited number of non-state actors are currently engaged in these governance-related initiatives. Developing this platform of actors is not straightforward as it can require non-government organizations to fundamentally change their missions, roles and relationships and take on board new ways of working. This is particularly challenging for NGOs that have become known as, and adept at, service providers in lieu of government. Some NGOs are moving on from the service provider role and reorienting activities to help improve the accountability of state service providers, whereas others attempt to perform both service provider and social accountability roles simultaneously. This short note reflects on the challenges service delivery NGOs face in their efforts to undertake social accountability activities in Cambodia.