Abstract: Science Set Journal of Economics Research

Abstract:
Using data from the 7th Togo's 2017 Afrobarometer round, we analyze by gender and residence setting to highlight the effects of internet access on citizen participation in public affairs in Togo. Using the Oaxaca-blinder decomposition method, the Oaxaca-Blinder results show that: (i) men participate more in public affairs than women in Togo, (ii) discussions and political group membership explain the compositional effect between men and women, (iii) the internet is the component related to male structural advantage, (iv) individuals living in urban areas participate more in public affairs than those living in rural areas, (v) political group membership and discussions explain the compositional effect between urban and rural areas. Based on these results, we suggest that awareness campaigns on the importance of participation in public affairs be directed at women and rural populations. Also, policies on women's access to the Internet could help reduce the gender gap in public participation.