Hubs/Implementation/Hub Research in West Africa Draft Plan

This is a report of research work funded by the Movement Strategy Implementation Team supplied by the Wikimedia Foundation. The research work was conducted by the team from the Wikimedians of Twi Language User Group and spanned from July 2022 to October 2022. The work done was in relation to Initiative 25 of the 2030 Movement Strategy of the Wikimedia Foundation on Regional and Thematic Hubs.

Movement strategy initiatives

Strategy initiatives for implementation

Introduction

According to McShane and Coffey (2022), a hub is a space or structure that brings together many communities and organizations to provide a variety of events, programs, and services that cater to its members' requirements. In light of this, hubs are viewed as a collection of social, service, and physical resources. Additionally, they stated that combining and integrating social services and resources in a hub can aid in addressing under-resourcing in rural and suburban regions. The development of a hub is significantly influenced by the structures put in place to offer members home-based support and to lessen social isolation by increasing the number of local groups and facilities within the hub (Hull et al., 2016).

As stipulated by Locality (2016), hubs that are successful and sustainable should adapt to the shifting requirements and desires of the local population. They also advise doing frequent reviews to make sure that consumer feedback, data, and past impacts are taken into account. All hubs strive to prioritize the needs of their local community. Regular interaction with the community is essential to achieving this. It is also the best tool for gathering data on the most effective ways to meet the requirements of its constituents. Additionally, it makes sure that the assistance provided is up-to-date and functional.

Recognizing the above and the discussions within the Wikimedia community, the purpose of this plan is to share the views on what hubs should be like from communities in West Africa. The document will inform interested individuals about the understanding and perceptions of hubs, the challenges that can be solved by the existence of hubs, and the challenges that can prevent the implementation of hubs in the West Africa Region. Data was collected from 97 participants in both French and English using a mixed method. Challenges faced include differences in time zones, availability, and willingness to participate in surveys.

Regional and Thematic Hubs Conversation - June 2022 - Summary Deck Image

Regional or thematic hub

According to Meta-Wiki, a regional hub is a framework designed to assist certain regions by contextualizing activities, resources, and information. Thematic hubs, on the other hand, will be primarily concerned with supporting global thematic areas. Due to their geographic confinement, thematic hubs will be better at facilitating the circulation of information across borders.

West African Region Wikimedians, Communities and Affiliates

The West African Region is made up of 18 countries as reported by the World Population Review. Although found in the same region the language and culture of these countries vary with the presence of both English and French National languages. According to Meta-Wiki, there is a total of 13 affiliates recognised by the Wikimedia Foundation from the region although we believe there could be smaller groups existing in the region who do not have pages on Meta-Wiki yet.

Methodology

In finding Wikimedians in the West Africa Region, the team first visited the various community pages on Meta-Wiki. Messages were sent out to some members of these communities through meta while others were sent emails with the survey questionnaire. All recipients were encouraged to share with their community members to participate as well. We leveraged available networks with other communities to share the questionnaire on their WhatsApp and Telegram group pages.

The questionnaire was simple, direct and easily understandable. The duration for data collection was exceeded and we used 2 months to gather the data. The study adopted a mixed-method approach. Specifically, a sequential explanatory approach was used to address the specific quantitative and qualitative objectives, with a focus on the purposive sampling technique. 97 participants were sampled for the quantitative phase, and six respondents were selected for the qualitative phase using both a questionnaire and an interview guide in collecting data for the study. Guided by the principle of in-depth interview of a homogenous group, with interviews between 5-25 being eligible for an analysis, the 6 interviews conducted qualified for our qualitative data analysis.

Descriptive analysis was utilised for the quantitative phase, and thematic analysis was used for the qualitative data. On the other hand, quantitative data revealed general trends that do not provide an in-depth understanding of a phenomenon. On the contrary, qualitative data allows a greater explanation through the voices and experiences of the actors involved. Accordingly, linking these two types of data greatly strengthens the validity of insights into the phenomenon at hand (Creswell & Creswell, 2005).

Survey Questions (Quantitative)

Survey questionnaires were sent out to communities and Wikimedians in the region on the 3rd of August 2022 to September 2022. Considering the extensive use of Google and its products, Google Forms was used in the creation of the questionnaire, which was shared as a link. This tool was chosen because respondents are comfortable using it. Below are links to the questionnaire in both languages.

• English Questionnaire
• French Questionnaire

Interview Questions (Qualitative)

Hub Research in West Africa Interview Guide

6 individual interviews of one hour each were conducted with Wikimedians in the region who expressed their interest in sharing more insights on regional and thematic hubs. Interview guides were shared with the interviewees ahead of the interviews to help them prepare. We had a total of 3 English and 3 French interviews scheduled between September 11th and 29th 2022. Below is a copy of the Interview Guide shared with the interviewees.

• English Interview Guide
• French Interview Guide

Quantitative Analysis and Data Presentation

Demographics

The data collections were in two folds. The questionnaire was first designed in the English language and then translated into French to target the Francophone respondents. Out of the total participation of around 97 respondents, 23 participants answered their questionnaire in French, which was later translated into English, and the remaining 74 participants used the English version.

Participants Gender

Gender The participants' gender was divided into two main categories. That is, male and female. Out of the 97 sampled respondents, 64.9% identified themselves as men, and the remaining 35.1% identified as women. The detailed breakdown can be found in the pie chart below. Despite numerous efforts put in place to ensure all-inclusiveness and equity, the responses received were largely from the anglophone communities, and the majority of the feedback gathered was from men. If this is the current representation of the Wikimedia community in Sub-Saharan Africa, then there is a gap that needs to be bridged to ensure inclusivity and equity in order to enhance broader participation of Wikimedia communities, as the 2030 Wikimedia strategy recommendation suggests. Gender of Participants

Age of Participants

Age of Participants Information was solicited with regards to the age of the respondents sampled. The information in the pie chart below (i.e., Figure 2) shows a clear representation of the age distribution of the respondents. Out of the 97 respondents, 44.3% were in the age group of 22-29 years, 39.2% were in the age interval of 30-39 years, 11.3% were in the age range of 40 and above years, 3.1% indicated their age range to be between 18-21 years, and 2.1% were under 17 years. Finally, the age distribution of the sampled respondents revealed that people of diverse ages from the region were engaged in Wikimedia activities. Age distribution of Participants

Educational Level of Participants

Participants Educational Level The education level of the member communities was captured during the data collection period. According to the responses received from the 97 participants, 59% had post-graduate degrees, 32% had undergraduate degrees, 5% had higher school and below certificate, 2% had PhDs, 1% had higher national diplomas, and 1% had diplomas. This has been captured in the pie chart below as the participants' level of education. Though a language barrier might exist due to the contentious issue of anglophone and francophone languages, the results showed that at least each member sampled has some level of education, which could contribute to a better understanding of what the Wikimedia Foundation is about and the movement strategy and its recommendations. Further, it could be seen that people without any formal education were not captured in the sample size, indicating that individuals without any formal education were not engaged in the activities of the movement. Participants Level of Education Importantly, in Sub-Saharan Africa, the issue of informal education exists in some instances, as some people have transferred language informally to their community members, especially in remote areas. As a result, consideration should be given to engaging people in both formal and informal education in order to address the issue of fairness and inclusiveness. This could lead to a broader representation of Wikimedia communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Wiki Projects

Which project do you work on? The multiple response analysis was utilised to answer this question, as the participants were privy to check all the possible answers if applicable. Out of the 97 respondents, a total response of 292 was generated. It was observed that Wikipedia was considered the most worked-on project by the participants; it accounted for 31.5%, followed by Wikimedia Commons (25.3%) and Wikidata (24.7%). These three projects were considered by the respondents to be the main ones that they are working on currently. This result could be attributed to the fact that Wikipedia is the most popular Wikimedia project available in many languages, and therefore editors can contribute in their own languages. Wikiprojects that Participants work on Multiple Response of Participants and the Projects they work on

Role in movement

Personal role with the movement With regards to the personal roles to which the study participants play to support the movement, the results from the multiple analysis indicates that the majority role played by the respondents to support the movement was editing. This may be due to the fundamental role editing plays in contributing free and open knowledge to the general public, a vision that is at the heart of the movement. Further, the second major role played by the participants of this study was volunteering in Wikimedia communities, working for or volunteering in charters, and working for or volunteering in user groups. All three scored a percentage of 20.2% each. In addition, the third most important role played by the respondents to support the movement was reading. The participants identified these roles as the most important aspects of their involvement with the Wikimedia movement. The pie chart and the multiple response table below give a clear representation of each. Personal Role of participants with the Movement Breakdown of Role of participants with the Movement

Responses to the questions relating to hubs

Do you belong to a community or an affiliate?

The participants were asked to indicate whether they belong to a community or an affiliate. Out of the 97 participants sampled, 95.9% indicated that they belong to a community or affiliate, and the remaining 4.1% neither belong to a community nor an affiliate. Thus, the result revealed that the majority of the people sampled were associated with a community or affiliate.

Community or an affiliate that participants belong to

Movement Strategy/Thematic/Regional Hubs

Five dichotomous questions (i.e., Yes or No) were asked in relation to the movement strategy to understand the participants' view on the issues pertaining to the strategy. The first question was in relation to whether the respondents had heard about the movement strategy and/or its recommendations. Out of the 97 sampled participants, 81% agreed that they have heard about the movement strategy or its recommendations, and only 16.6% stated otherwise, thus, no. With regard to the question of whether the respondents have participated in any movement strategy discussion, the responses from the participants were of the view that the majority of them—55.7%—have participated in movement strategy discussions, and 44.3% have not participated in any movement strategy discussion.

Further, the respondents were asked whether they had participated in any discussion on the regional or thematic hubs. Of the 97 participants, 59.8% have not participated in the regional or thematic hubs, and 40.2% have participated in the discussion of the regional or thematic hubs. Additionally, a question on whether they understood the recommendation of the regional or thematic hubs was posed to the respondents.

The analysis in Table 3 revealed that 56.7% have no clear understanding of the recommendation for regional or thematic hubs, and 43.3% have a clear understanding of the recommendation for regional or thematic hubs. When the participants were further asked, “In view of the above, should there be regional or thematic hubs?” Clearly, the majority of the respondents said that there should be regional or thematic hubs, which accounted for 92.8%, and those who stated otherwise (no) accounted for 7.2%. This is an indication that regional or thematic hubs are needed within the Sub-Saharan Africa Wikimedia.

Breakdown of participant responses

The Need for a Hub

The respondents were asked a question with regards to “do we need a hub in our region to centralize efforts and coordinate with communities and affiliates?" 85.6% of the respondents were of the view that a hub is needed in the region in order to centralize and coordinate with communities and affiliates. 10.3% were unclear about whether they needed a hub in the region, and 4.1% stated clearly that they do not need a hub within the region to centralize efforts and coordinate with communities and affiliates. Importantly, this is an indication that most of the sampled participants indicated the need for a hub within the region to centralize and coordinate efforts with communities and affiliates.

Responses on centralising efforts

Initiative to Create a Regional or Thematic Hub

In response to the question of who should take the initiative for the creation of a regional or thematic hub, the majority of participants (58.8%) indicated that the Wikimedia Foundation should take the initiative. Of which 41.2% stated that the communities should take initiative. This result attests to the fact that the participants are requesting the establishment of regional or thematic hubs.

Responses on initiative for the creation of hubs in West Africa

Operationalisation of the Hub

With regard to the people who will operate the hub, most of the respondents agreed that community members should operate the hub which constitute 72.2%, and 27.85% were of the view that the hub should be operated by the Wikimedia foundation staff.

Responses on who to operate hubs in West Africa

Reporting

The issue of who should the regional or thematic hub report was also asked, out of the 97 respondents 81.4% were in support of the regional or thematic hub reporting to the Wikimedia Foundation. While 18.6% were of the view that the regional or thematic hub be independent. Clearly, the majority of the members support the reporting system to be directed to Wikimedia Foundation instead of the latter. Another question was posed to the respondents, that is, whether the affiliates and communities should report to the hub? The result shows that, majority (78.4%) responded yes to the question. This means that the affiliates and the communities should report to the hub. While 21.6% chose no, which is an indication that the affiliates and the communities should not report to the hub.

Responses on who hubs in West Africa should report to

Perceptions and Challenges of Regional or Thematic Hub

The mean average score was utilised to examine the perceptions or challenges of the regional or thematic hub. Thus, Likert scale that ranges from 1 strongly disagree to 5 strongly agree was used to measure the extent of the support for each question. With the perception of regional hub in West Africa; a regional or thematic hub is an online community scored an average mean of 3 which on the Likert scale means that the participants were uncertain about whether the regional or thematic hub should be an online community. For the question of whether it is an offline community, the average mean score of 3 was also scored, meaning they were uncertain. Importantly, an average mean score of 4 was scored for whether the regional or thematic hub should be both online and offline community. That is, the members agreed that, there should be a blend of both online and offline to characterise the regional or thematic hub. Additionally, with regard to whether a regional or thematic hub promotes connectivity? This question had an average mean score of 4 indicating that the statement was duly agreed upon. However, with regard to whether the regional or thematic hubs should be a physical structure? The participants were uncertain with an average mean score of 3. This can be seen in the Table 4.

Responses on Perception and Challenges of Regional or Thematic Hub of respondents in West Africa

Likely challenges that the implementation of the regional or thematic hub can solve was also measured using the average mean score. Out of the nine questions or likely challenges that the implementation of the hub can solve. Eight challenges were agreed upon by the sampled respondents which scored an average mean score of 4. That is, the members were of the view that the implementation of the hub can solve issues pertaining to communication and media relations, conflict resolution, education projects, funding and fundraising, technological equipment, partnership within the continent, capacity building, and legal assistance. Nevertheless, in West Africa the implementation of the regional or thematic hub cannot solve the likely challenge of employment. This may be due to the fact that, movement activities have thrived over the years with a movement demographic of more volunteers than staff. Conclusively, the result in Table 4 is the manifestation that the implementation of regional or thematic hub in West Africa could be a panacea in solving a lot of challenges facing the region.

Qualitative Data Analysis

The individual interviews provided very detailed questions and answers on the subject matter. All the original records from the interviews were collected and then transcribed. Within this section, the researchers summarised the gathered responses from the interviews to identify and develop themes. The coding process is crucial because it shows how to organise the data, make working with it easier, and obtain insight from it. Thematic analysis techniques were used to analyse the data. This was determined by carefully analysing the data to discover recurring patterns of meaning based on regional and thematic hubs.

Following Braun and Clarke's (2006) recommendation, look for common patterns of reaction one step at a time as you uncover themes. The subjects were then arranged in accordance with the questions posed. Before beginning the actual coding, the transcriptions were read often to become familiar with the materials. The next phase was creating the first codes, which took into account the transcripts following line-by-line analysis to segment the data. These procedures were followed to make sure the analysis was reliable and to evaluate its consistency. The study team compares their transcripts to ensure that they arrived at the same themes after examining the same data independently.

Findings

The following demographics were gathered gender, position, and country from interviews conducted. The sample comprises of five (5) males and one (1) female. In total, two (2) of the respondents were from Benin, and Ghana respectively. One (1) respondent was interviewed each from Guinea, and Uganda respectively. Additionally, the demographic result shows that the respondents were holding position such as Community leads for the African Wikimedia technical community, Co-founder of the Uganda user group, President of the movement Wikimedia Guinea, Executive Director and co-founder of the Dagbani Wikimedia User Group, Founding member of the Wikimedia User group in Benin, Member of the Africa and Middle East grant committee. You can read more on the individual interviews using the links below:

• Interview 1
• Interview 2
• Interview 3
• Interview 4
• Interview 5
• Interview 6

What is the mindset for the establishment of movement strategy and regional and thematic hubs?

From the interview conducted, most of the interviewees had the notion that the mindset for the establishment of the movement strategy and regional and thematic hubs is to promote the Wikimedia movement, establish engagement with communities, and solve challenges at the regional level.

Challenges	Comments
Promote the Wikimedia Movement	The hub is to support the Wikimedia movement through multiple Wikimedia programs. This is to host multiple volunteer communities in order to also promote Wikimedia activities within a geographical area. The mindset for the establishment of the hubs is to enable us to achieve what we want to achieve as the Wikimedia movement by the year 2030. I think the establishment of a hub is necessary and useful to make it possible to implement the new strategies that are being put in place in the best possible way.
Establish engagement with communities	Hubs are like telecentres where people can come together and share ideas. It is also going to be an opportunity for the affiliates and other communities or organisations that are working on Wikimedia projects to get closer to each other. I am thinking it is an opportunity for us to connect more affiliates together to work on different projects. In fact, when we talk about hubs, we are talking about the communities that we are trying to form in our agglomerations. It will make it possible to harmonise the different points of view at the regional level in order to be able to share information and practices.
Solving Challenges	The idea around hubs is to have a regional and thematic hub, that kind of solves challenges either thematic level or the regional level I think it's all about trying to make sure that local problems are solved using local solutions because the challenges that are faced in different regions may not be the same.

What do you understand by the recommendations of the regional and thematic hubs?

The views of participants of this study understood the recommendations of the regional and thematic hubs as a form of improving user groups, creating awareness, supporting communities, collaboration, provide solutions and implementation of the movement strategy

Challenges	Comments
Collaboration	Collaboration, working with Wikimedia foundation do come from organisations whose sole purpose is to be able to come out with media programs.
Awareness creation	To be able to also create more awareness and expand their reach and also to create more influence within the geographical area that they find themselves.
Improvement of Users	What I think of the recommendations of the regional and thematic hubs is that it will contribute to the improvement of the conditions and modernization of the users.
Support communities	They come in as a support to the upcoming communities. They will help the groups that will be created at the regional level to improve.
Solution providers	What I think of the recommendations of the regional and thematic hubs is that it will contribute to the improvement of the conditions and modernization of the users.
Implementation of movement strategy	It's about implementing the different resolutions of the new movement strategy within the communities in the regions.

What are the benefits of regional or thematic hubs?

Subsequently, the opinions of the interviewee were also solicited to share the benefits of regional or thematic hubs. From the responses collected from interviews conducted it was revealed that the respondents believe that the benefits of the regional or thematic hubs is to address regional issues, collective involvement, provide support, and allow the foundation to get a better insight on what’s happening at the regional level.

Challenges	Comments
Collective involvement	The hub will bring all affiliates within a particular region together to be able to embark on initiatives. It contributes a lot to most of the Wikimedia affiliates or organisations within a geographic area to collaborate based on the programs and events they run.
Address regional issues	The main benefit would be kind of making sure that at least local challenges are addressed at the local level. They are very important to us the groups belonging to the same region, because usually in the same region we have similar issues, and realities and the group that will come may also have the same issues.
Provide support	The advantage is to facilitate the journey to the new groups to join the movement without many difficulties. Hubs will provide solutions and support for affiliates; technical support and capacity building. Since hubs will constitute experienced members of the Wikimedia region, hubs will be able to provide these kinds of support.
Get better insight	It is good for the foundation because they can use this to get more information, so they know how to delegate people, share the funds and how to help in specific ways.

How do the hubs contribute to movement strategy and community affiliation?

Support the movement, enhance capacity development, content development, community representation in decision process, were the majority themes the respondents of the interview believe that the establishment of the hubs will contribute to the movement strategy and community affiliation.

Challenges	Comments
Support the movement strategy	Some of the affiliates also provide a little bit of guidance as opposed to other affiliates in order to be able to fund for some few Wikimedia programs. The hubs can really take lead on making sure that the movement succeeds in reaching or achieving these recommendations that are being put in place. The hubs will work by implementing the new recommendations of the movement strategy by supporting the user groups and the different communities in their region through innovation, equity, sustainability, decision making specially skills development.
Enhance capacity development	I see the hubs to be more fundamental is skills and leadership development, evaluation and adaptation and even coordination among the stakeholders. The regional hubs can help to achieve that. For instance, in skills development. This will help community members grow. Generally, they directly work to help meet the needs that the recommendations seek to alleviate. Yes, communities can benefit from the hubs by helping some communities gain recognition or user group status.
Content development	The Hubs contribute to the movement strategy by working on specific themes such as environment, sustainability, politics, culture, education and many more.
Community representation in decision process	Specifically, equity and decision making: if we have a regional hub to represent regional voices, they can really represent the region. So that there is more equity in decision making within the movement. Personally, if it is the regional hub, it should represent the regional affiliates in some way. So there has to be some kind of relations where all the regional affiliates really subscribe to the regional hubs because the regional hubs would be there to represent their interests within the movement. I think it is very key and important that the regional hubs are kind of formulated or established with conservation with the user groups or affiliates in the region. So that at least when the purpose of the regional hubs is defined, then their needs are put into consideration.

How do you perceive regional or thematic hubs?

The majority of the participants of the study perceive regional or thematic hubs as a forum for network among communities in the region, as well as nurturing developing groups in the region.

Challenges	Comments
A forum for network	I envision the regional hubs to be a network. To me a hub is like a community with people from different backgrounds and skill sets and experiences where affiliates and communities can leverage their experiences to expand their scope I think that a regional hub would be a working group which ideally should consist of members from several countries in the region and speaking several different languages in the region.
Nurturing growing groups	I think regional hubs should be a strong support to the other group growing in the same region very importantly.

What are some of the challenges the implementation of hubs can solve?

When it comes to some of the challenges the implementation of the hubs can solve, most of the respondents were of the view that the implementation of the hubs can solve the challenge of accessing resources, inclusion, the transfer of knowledge, inter-community conflict, communication barriers, and development of local language.

Challenges	Comments
Access to resources	Some of the challenges are the access to resources, which I think when we have the hubs established this problem could be solved.
Transfer of knowledge	Also, the facilitating of knowledge transfer across user groups in the region is very difficult. So, since we have the hubs which connect all of us together, it will improve the transfer of knowledge easily.
Communication barriers	Reduction of barriers between communities and improve the relationship between the communities. If periodic meetups are held by the hubs, there is going to be a lot of communication and collaborations among communities. This will help bridge the gap amongst communities.
Inclusion	From my point of view there are certain communities which feel less involved in the movement and therefore if the hubs are installed and work well, I think that the work will allow these communities to feel more involved We don't have enough diversity and inclusion within the movement and the regional hubs may help to solve some of those challenges. Also, to organise regional kinds of conferences that can bring Wikimedians in the region together and learn from each other.
Develop local language	The hub will also be able to solve the problems of development of local languages, especially in Africa, and valuing the work that is already being done on the continent.
Inter-community conflicts	The hub can also help us to resolve our inter-community conflicts and dialogue.

Kindly share with us the challenges associated with the implementation of hubs?

Furthermore, this study o sought out the respondents of the study what are some of the challenges associated with the implementation of hubs, and from the data analysed the interviewee were of the view that lack of skills and leadership, clarity on what the hub is, allocation of resources, selection of representative, and technological problems could be the challenges associated with the implementation of hubs.

Challenges	Comments
Lack of skills and leadership	Much of the communities lack skills or leadership skills to manage or run the hubs effectively.
Clarity	I think the challenges will be lack of clarity in what a hub is and what it does. And if we all don’t have the same perceptions on the hubs, we might face a big challenge. We should all align and have the same understanding. If there is no clarity on the vision and mission of the hub, communities may disagree on how hubs should look like.
Allocation of resources	One of the biggest challenges there could be misunderstanding as to who will have the biggest share? Since it will not have a physical location for hubs to operate, there could be challenges with accessing resources or how resources could be maintained. The other challenge could be how they will receive funds. If there are going to be other ways to receive funds. If hubs are limited to a particular threshold, they may not be able to support communities within their jurisdiction.
Selection of representative	I think the first challenge would be the selection of the representative at the hub level. This is because all communities would like to be represented fairly in order for them to feel concerned in the work. On the thematic level the associated challenges are to find volunteers who meet the criteria of the hubs. Regionally which volunteer one should take to the detriment of the other? The second challenge will be how to bring and connect everyone together around the hub in order to work efficiently so that certain communities don't think they are neglected.
Technological problems	The other challenge is also the technological challenge, access to IT tools and connection which is not always easy in our regions. And also, the challenge of technology and the language barrier. To be challenged will specifically be with contribution purposes in terms of IP block issues?

How do you manage these challenges?

With respect to how we manage the challenges listed above, the respondents of this study mentioned that, facilitating knowledge transfer, eliminating superiority, having funding alternatives, collective engagement, and effective communication, could be strategies implemented to manage the above challenges associated with the implementation of hubs.

Challenges	Comments
Facilitate knowledge transfer	By having a regional hub, at least some of the solutions that we need to look towards the hub to facilitate that kind of transfer of knowledge.
Eliminate superiority	We should also eliminate superiority in membership of the community, whether regional or not, let's make sure the members are treated on equal basis with equal respect and opportunity. Once we do this the hubs will be successful.
Funding alternatives	The foundation should be able to provide funding alternatives for hubs. Hubs should not only be limited to strategy grants.
Collective engagement	To avoid disagreements, a hub should be able to draft a policy that all communities are expected to abide by. This policy or by-laws should be created through the collective efforts of members of the hub committee which has all recognised affiliates represented. All stakeholders must understand the policies and agree to abide by it. The first challenge could be managed by involving the members during the process of the selection or the constitution of the teams of the hubs by asking the communities to propose people or to ask for volunteers, and also to carry out votes as we do periodically in our various communities and user groups. And I think we should all involve everyone regardless of their level. And make sure everyone in the different communities understand what the hubs are meant for
Effective communication	Everything is managed through dialogue. Above all we must emphasise on communication between contributors.

What should the regional or thematic hubs be like?

From the data analysis, it could be said that the majority of the respondents who partook in the interview agreed to it that the regional or thematic hubs should be a virtual place, though there were others who agreed that it could also be a hybrid hub with both physical structures and virtual space.

Challenges	Comments
Virtual Hub	It wouldn't be a regional hub if for example it has 10 staff members all from one country. So, I don't see the need for a physical space, but I see the need for the staff to be able to move around. If there has to be a physical space, then choosing where the location is, might become trickier. So, to avoid that kind of challenge, I think it should be online. To me, a hub doesn't necessarily have to be like a formal organisation. A hub, depending on its scope of work can be just a community without any physical presence. I think it would be difficult to do face-to-face activities or bring all the members of the hub together. To be more efficient I think working online would be the best since it saves time and energy and resources.
Hybrid	I think having a hybrid structure will be of good help based on what I can be able to also offer in terms of supporting the community. Both with a strong online connotation because we are in modern times where we no longer need to be physically somewhere to do things together.
Physical hub	I completely object to the idea of making hubs virtual. Physical Hubs are of paramount importance. When we do our activities, we spend time asking for meeting rooms left and right and wasting energy. So, it's good to have a physical hub in the region.

Should hubs be controlled by the foundation or they can exist on their own as independent entities outside the foundation?

Further, we sought for the respondents’ opinion on whether the regional or thematic hubs should be controlled by the foundation or the hubs can exist on their own as independent entities outside the foundation. From the responses gathered it was revealed that the participants of this interview disagreed with the connotation that the hub should exist on their own as independent entities outside the foundation, and the hub should be controlled by the foundation, or in collaboration with hub members.

Challenges	Comments
Controlled by the foundation	I think the hubs should be controlled by the foundation to some extent even though there are advantages for both sides whether the hubs are independent or not. The reason why I will prefer hubs to be under the foundation is because that is how they can access funds from the foundation for their projects. The reason will be to stay in line with the vision as the hub is part of the initiatives under the 2030 Wikimedia vision. Hubs being independent will cause a drift in the vision. I think it's best that the foundation handles everything. To meet the objectives and needs of the hubs it is very important that they manage everything related to the hub. I would prefer the foundation to finance and support the user groups in their activities and also by giving them autonomy for the internet connection, adequate working tools.
Controlled by both foundation and hub members	I think management should be a collaboration between local (communities) and regional resources (foundation). It should be work in progress from both. I think ideally the members of the communities in the region would be really involved. Therefore, members of the communities can manage the hub but under the control of the foundation most importantly when it comes to project management.

Conclusion

Perceptions of hub

• While the quantitative result revealed the perceptions of hubs to be both online and offline community, the qualitative enhances the result by adding that people perceived hubs to be only offline and others were of the view that is only online community.
  

Therefore, a hybrid (i.e., both online and offline) establishment of hub in the West Africa region might be helpful.

Challenges that the implementation of the hub can solve

• The qualitative results enhance the quantitative findings by revealing that aside communication and media relations, conflicts resolution, education projects, funding and fundraising, technological equipment, partnerships within the continent, capacity building, and legal assistance. Access to resources, transfer knowledge, inclusion, and develop local language as additional factors that the implementation of hub can resolve.
  

It is recommended that the implementation of hub can be a necessity in solving dicey challenges in West Africa regions.

Challenges associated with the implementation of the hub

• Numerous challenges have been revealed in this study to be associated with the hub’s implementation. These challenges emanate from a lack of skills and leadership, clarity, allocation of resources, selection of representatives, and technological problems. These challenges can be curtailed through knowledge transfer, funding alternatives, elimination of superiority, collective engagement, and effective communication.

Limitations and Future Research

• Based on the findings, the viability of hubs is indicative within the West African region. Therefore, further research should be conducted to show how feasible hubs can be established and the diversified nature.
• Language barrier is one of the key challenges associated with this study. Future research can be conducted on a French region and that of English region separately.
• This research utilized the sequential explanatory approach in understanding the concept under investigation. Future research could explore the sequential exploratory approach.