Effective Coordination Mechanisms of the National Statistical System

Criterion Number 2

Title Effective coordination mechanisms of the National Statistical System

Country Cameroon

National Statistical Office National Institute of Statistics (INS)

(i) Background

126. In 2006, the redefinition of roles around MDG activities led to the National Institute of Sta­

tistics (INS) mandate to report on the MDGs and funding for the Division in charge of planning (as focal point). This led to the strengthening of coordination of statistical activities and related statistics.

(ii) Description of the good practice

127. The following actions demonstrate the political commitment of the Government of Cam­

eroon to statistics and in particular to the MDGs:

Production of a national MDG report and MDG regional reports

128. Since 2008, the MDG reporting exercise coordinated by the INS has resulted in an annual national report and a report for each of ten regions. This activity involves all administrations con­

cerned with the MDGs at all stages, including: review of the adequacy of data sources (e.g. national surveys); staff training and collection of additional data (e.g. administrative sources); and editing and validation of reports. In addition, for each national survey conducted by the INS, industry experts were integrated into the technical team to ensure, among other things, the proper consideration of MDG indicators in their area. Reporting is now expanding to small administrative divisions, the commune level {commune pilote).

Development of coordination tools

129. The statistical system in Cameroon has already adopted and approved by consensus, as tools to facilitate coordination, the "Handbook of Concepts and Definitions Used in Official Statistics in Cameroon" and the "Dictionary of Needs in Statistics in Cameroon". The printing of these pocket-size documents on glossy paper has increased the interest of users such that, in two years, the stock of 900 copies has been exhausted. Both tools enable harmonization of the use of concepts and methodologies in the production of official statistics. In the same vein, in 2012, a "Guide for Quality Improvement of Statistical Data in Cameroon" has been developed. Various aspects of ensuring the quality of data produced are covered by this guide. These aspects include institutional and

organiza-28 Best Practices Report on Millennium Development Goals Monitoring and Reporting at National and Subnational Levels in

tional frameworks to take account of texts on statistical activities and statistical standardization tools (handbooks, dictionaries, and gazetteers, etc.).

Use of assistance from government ministries

130. The INS has since 2008 developed coordination-based advocacy and negotiation of govern­

ment funding for producing official statistics. In this connection, INS has acquired and distributed IT equipment (70 computers and 30 printers) in some ministries and departments (sectoral priorities).

INS has also helped more than 20 government ministries and departments in the capacity-building of their staff responsible for producing statistics. So far, 100 executives of ministries and departments (including 20 army officers from the Ministry of Defence) have been trained in "Basic Statistical Techniques" and separately on "In-depth data processing and analysis". Increasingly, government ministries and departments request the support of industry for INS, to assist the production of their sectoral statistics. On the occasion of the last session of National Statistics, several Government min­

istries and departments recommended that there should be financial assistance for the preparation and implementation of industrial statistics production.

Evaluation of the NSDS and data quality (DQAF)

131. Since 2009, the INS has regularly called upon industry experts for assistance in drafting the

"Report on the implementation of the National Strategy for Development of Statistics (NSDS)", the

"General Data Dissemination System (GDDS)" and the use of Data Quality Assessment Framework.

The INS has extended the establishment of the DQAF by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) (which covers five areas) to the entire NS S.

(iii) Benefits

132. The coordination role of INS has enhanced consensus-building and the credibility of the statistics produced.

(iv) Challenges

133. The main challenge of the INS is to continue to improve the coordination mechanisms it has put in place.

(v) Way forward

134. It is expected that in 2012 the review and amendment of laws and regulations on statistical activities will consolidate the gains already made.

Criterion Number 2

Title Effective coordination mechanisms of the National Statistical System

Country Malawi

National Statistical Office National Statistical Office

(i) Background

135. The NSO operates under a Statistics Act passed in 1967. Since that time, there have been a number of changes, both economic and political. These changes have resulted in an increase in the demand for high-quality statistics but have also given rise to a number of challenges. A number of institutions do produce their own statistics, either to monitor their own programmes or to enable external bodies to conduct evaluations. There was therefore a need to establish a system that would

properly coordinate data collection, analysis and dissemination activities in order to standardize and harmonize the statistics produced in Malawi.

136. In 2006, the Government of Malawi, through the NSO, officially launched the NSS. This followed the revision of the NSO Strategic Plan, one of the objectives of which was to establish an NSD S, locally referred to as the NSS Strategic Plan. The NSS Strategic Plan was therefore officially launched in 2008 for the five years up to 2012. The NSS Strategic Plan consolidates the Sector Strate­

gies for the Development of Statistics of seven institutions; the Ministries of Agriculture, Education, Health, Industry and Trade, Justice, and Labour, and the NSO.

(ii) Description of the good practice

137. Coordination of the NSS takes place through a coordination unit within the NSO. The imple­

mentation of the NSS is spearheaded by the NSS Steering Committee and the Donor Coordination Committees.

138. A total of 1 5 ministries/departments are members of the NSS Steering Committee, on which they are represented by their heads of planning. The committee meets quarterly and is chaired by the Commissioner of Statistics. The committee has terms of reference that were discussed and ap­

proved by the committee itself. Its main task is to discuss progress and planned statistical activities within the NSS. This forum includes both users and producers of statistics and is also attended by a representative of the Statistical Association of Malawi. The role of the NSO in the committee is to coordinate, and to act as its secretariat.

139. The Donor Coordination Committee complements the NSS Steering Committee. If donor funding were not coordinated, statistical activities would be skewed, if not duplicated. Therefore, in order to maintain a good balance, donor funding has to be coordinated and care taken to ensure that resources are as far as possible utilized in an effective manner for statistical production. The number of donors varies and representatives are selected by the individual development partners themselves.

The committee meets bi-annually and its terms of reference are not specific. Its agenda varies: some­

times it discusses a specific survey, such as timing, results, management, etc.; sometimes it discusses the whole NSS. The lead donor is selected by the donors themselves and communicates with other donors on the issues. Currently, Norway leads the Donor Committee.

(iii) Benefits

140. The coordination of a NSS leads to reduced duplication of activities. This result is reduced costs, implying efficient utilization of limited resources. While there were once a number of different statistics referring to one indicator for a single period, effective coordination of the NSS ensures that there is now one source of data that have been produced according to good practices. As a result of the high quality of the statistics produced, there has also been an increase in statistical advocacy whereby the media are also playing a crucial role in advocating for the collection and dissemination of statistics to all stakeholders.

(iv) Challenges

141. While there are a number of developments in the production of statistics through the NSS, a number of challenges remain, such as adequate funding to enable implementation of the activities in the NSS Strategic Plan. It is acknowledged that there has been an increase in the funding of statistical

30 Best Practices Report on Millennium Development Goals Monitoring and Reporting at National and Subnational Levels in

activities; however, the increasing demand requires an even greater increase in funding. Capacity-building has also been slow. There is a need to ensure that more statistical officers receive training to the highest possible levels. Refresher courses also need to be enhanced as there is a clear indication of loss of skills over time.

Criterion Number 2

Title Effective coordination mechanisms of the National Statistical System

Country Uganda

National Statistical Office Uganda Bureau of Statistics

(i) Background

142. The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) is a semi-autonomous government agency estab­

lished by Act of Parliament in 1998. It is mandated to produce official statistics, and supervise and coordinate the NSS.

143. In Uganda, MDG reporting is done by the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic De­

velopment, with support from the UNDP and in close collaboration with government agencies and development partners, such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), the World Bank, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and others. Uganda will conduct its next Population and Housing Census in August 2012.

144. Uganda has been implementing a five-year strategic Plan for National Statistical Develop­

ment (PNSD). This is Uganda's NSDS.

145. So far, 1 5 MDAs are implementing individual Sector Strategic plans for Statistics (SSPSs) that form building blocks for the PNSD. The Plan is to bring on board two more MDAs and ten local governments by 2012.

146. The importance of coordination is that it:

» Increases the production and availability of statistics.

» Leads to synergies and partnerships that can help in overcoming duplication of effort, and consolidate efforts, resources and available opportunities. Producers may agree to concentrate on producing statistics where they have a comparative advantage.

» Creates a stronger voice from different stakeholders to advocate for a common purpose.

» Makes it possible and simple to harmonize data production processes, and thus improve data quality.

147. This criterion has largely facilitated the attainment of much of the progress in Ugandas Sta­

tistical System. It is on the basis of these achievements, particularly under this criterion on Effective Coordination of the National Statistical System, that Uganda is considered a Centre ot Excellence in statistical production in Africa.

(ii) Description of the good practice

148. Coordination is institutionalized. UBOS has a Directorate of Statistical Coordination Ser­

vices. Coordination has been fostered through inter-institutional arrangements established under the PNSD. The following institutional mechanisms and high-level forums have been established:

» Data producer-user and producer-producer forums

» Inter-agency committee

» Technical subcommittees (MDG and Gender)

» Technical committees (SESTC, NASTQ Environment, etc.)

» Sector statistics committees (SSCs)

» High-level stakeholder workshops organized by MDAs

» High-level breakfast meetings

» Production of advocacy materials, such as diaries containing the statistical agenda (key indicators, annual calendars and addresses of the PNSD implementation team), pens, ties, etc.

(iii) Benefits

149. The benefits of this criterion have so far included the following:

» Improved production and availability of data through production of individual MDA Annual Statistical Abstracts.

» Production of tools, such as the national metadata dictionary, compendium of statistical concepts and definitions, NSS M&E Framework to harmonize data production and guide implementation of the individual Sector Plans.

» Products: available from http://www.ubos.org/index.php?st=pagerelations&id=l00&p=

related%20pages:PNSD

» Currently developing the statistical quality-assessment framework.

» Increased capacity of the statistics units of most of the MDAs.

» Increased awareness, collaborations and partnerships.

» Mobilization of resources for statistical production.

(iv) Challenges

1 50. The challenges of this criterion have so far included the following:

» Inadequate financial resources

» Inadequate staffing levels across the NSS

» Lack of a legal framework to support some systems, such as the civil registration system

» Limited capacity to produce quality administrative data

» Continued splitting of administrative units

» High staff turnover in MDAs

» The current Act does not state the role of other data producers; hence, the Bureau signs Memorandums of Understanding with MDAs whenever it has to undertake any exercise requiring the full support of an agency.

» Continued replication of statistical undertakings such as surveys.

32 Best Practices Report on Millennium Development Goals Monitoring and Reporting at National and Subnational Levels in African Countries

(v) Way forward

151. Future efforts should concentrate on maintaining the existing collaborations - both internally and internationally, strengthening the legal framework by enacting the Draft Statistics Bill, continued awareness-raising at all levels, and providing financial support for NSS activities, especially in the MDAs, so as to sustain the progress achieved so far.

4.2.3 Aligning the national data collection undertakings to meet the requirements of international standards and concepts

Criterion Number 3

Title Aligning the national data-collection undertakings to meet the requirements of international standards and concepts

Country Botswana

National Statistical Office Statistics Botswana

(i) Background

152. Countries should produce statistical information which can be useful at national and interna­

tional levels. In this context, the use of the same sources of data, i.e. for estimating MDG indicators, should be emphasized.

(ii) Description of the good practice

153. In order to enable the alignment of Botswana data-collection undertakings to meet the re­

quirements of international standards and concepts, Botswana established statistics units in line ministries. Staff members from Statistics Botswana are seconded to these line ministries to make sure that international standards (i.e. concepts and definitions) are taken into consideration during data collection and analysis.

154. Additionally, when questionnaires are designed for a particular survey or census, interna­

tional experts are invited to give advice on the standards (i.e. concepts and definitions) to be used.

(iii) Benefits

155. The benefits of this criterion have so far included the following:

» Indicators such as the unemployment rate, maternal mortality ratio, and net enrolment ratio for primary education, all of which are useful to both national and international organizations, have been produced.

» International and national organizations use the same data sources, such as Labour Force Survey data. Demographic and Health Surveys (DFHS), etc. when extracting infor­

mation for MDG indicators.

(iv) (iv) Challenges

156. The challenges of this criterion have so far included the following:

» No NSDS - delayed due to census activities and transformation.

» Although the Government is willing to fund statistical activities. Statistics Botswana is unable to conduct other surveys because of staff shortages.

» Inadequate technical skills for analysing survey data, therefore delays in publishing re­

sults.

» Inability to attract and retain professional staff due to low remuneration, therefore a need to retrain existing staff and for continuity in applying international standards (i.e.

concepts and definitions).

(v) Way forward

157. Since Statistics Botswana is in the process of virtual transformation to semi-autonomous sta­

tus, an NSDS must be drawn up so that data collection, analysis and dissemination can be strength­

ened.

4.2.4 Production of disaggregated data on MDG indicators

Criterion Number 4

Title Production of disaggregated data on MDG indicators

Country The Gambia

National Statistical Office Gambia Bureau of Statistics

(i) Background

158. In the Gambia, there are defined criteria for disaggregation of data. Examples of disaggrega­

tion of data are by sex; LGAs; districts, comprising education regions and health regions, and areas or places of residence; main ethnic groups; age groups, according to indicator, education grouping and the wealth index quintile.

159. Since the main sources of MDG data are population and housing censuses, sample surveys and administrative data, the data-collection instruments for these sources collect data at very low levels of disaggregation.

160. Due to the small size of the country, data collection for population and housing censuses and sample surveys does not take long. There are trained data-collection personnel in all health facilities and cluster monitors in each education cluster.

(ii) Description of the good practice

161. Disaggregated MDG indicators help in guiding policy formulation and also help the country to plan for intervention as required for each disaggregation group or level.

162. Before data are produced, dummy tables are prepared by the Gambia Bureau of Statistics and shared with the stakeholders that use the information. This is done in close collaboration with the concerned MDAs. These tables suggest levels of disaggregation for each localized MDG indicator, including global indicators.

163. Data are then produced based on the agreed levels of disaggregation for each localized or global indicator. This ensures that information is used widely since users of the information have been involved from the design to the analysis stages.

34 Best Practices Report on Millennium Development Goals Monitoring and Reporting at National and Subnational Levels in

164. Because there are few disaggregation groupings, it is possible to include them in each tabula­

tion table of the census or survey report. An example is a table on births attended by skilled health personnel. This indicator is disaggregated by LGA (subregion), residence, age group, education, wealth status and ethnicity. The gross enrolment ratio (GER) is disaggregated by LGA, residence, wealth status, sex and ethnicity.

(iii) Benefits

165. The benefits of this criterion have so far included the following:

» The private sector and NGOs complement government efforts to attaining the MDGs.

» Disaggregated data is useful to these bodies because only a few operate nationally. They use such data to plan their interventions in areas below the national level.

» Municipal/local government authorities also use disaggregated data to plan and budget for activities in their subregions.

» Scarce resources are well allocated because budget allocation in The Gambia is now results-based.

» Drug allocation for health facilities is based on the data presented by age group, morbid­

ity episodes, etc.

(iv) Challenges

1 66. The challenges of this criterion have so far included the following:

» Some people are not able to report their ages accurately so they have to estimate their age. If they knew their exact age it would make disaggregated data by age group easier.

» Many women find it difficult to report the type of skilled health worker who assisted de­

livery (e.g. doctor, nurse/midwife, auxiliary midwife). Unique identifiers will help when they have been put in place.

(v) Way forward

167. Allocation of sufficient resources for the production of disaggregated data will help in their production and make them available for planning and decision-making.

168. The need to train subject matter statisticians cannot be overemphasized. This provides core knowledge to enable statisticians to produce disaggregated data in a way that is meaningful to users.

Criterion Number 4

Title Production of disaggregated data on MDG indicators

Country Kenya

National Statistical Office Kenya National Bureau of Statistics

(i) Background

169. The Kenya NSS has undergone extensive transformation during the last decade. This has been driven partly by strong political commitment on the part of the Government through the enactment of a new Statistics Act, (number 4) of 2006, a new Constitution in the 2010 and a legislature that has been keen to ensure that the country achieves the targets in the MDGs. Other factors have included

specific policy initiatives undertaken by the Government and a vibrant private sector that has played an active role, especially in the ICT sector.

1 70. The above factors have resulted in increased demand for statistics at various levels of disag­

gregation from various users. The different types of disaggregation have included sex, residence (rural/urban), education, geography (county, district etc.) and wealth quintile. The users of these sta­

tistics include policymakers, researchers, donors, the United Nations and the private sector; hence, the choice of this criterion, ''Production of disaggregated data", by the Kenya National Bureau of

tistics include policymakers, researchers, donors, the United Nations and the private sector; hence, the choice of this criterion, ''Production of disaggregated data", by the Kenya National Bureau of

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