The role of statistics in world development - Paris21

COUNTING DOWN POVERTYThe roleof statisticsin world developmentPhotographer: Alejandro Lipszyc / World Bank

Counting Down PovertyThe development contextCountry strategies and frameworksMost low-income countries are developing national policy frameworks — such asPoverty Reduction Strategies and macroeconomic and sector management frameworks— as part of their policy processes to deliver development progress and reduce poverty.These strategies and frameworks highlight the need for statistics to provide a strongfoundation for the diagnosis of poverty and the development situation as well as tomonitor the effectiveness of policy implementation. So, statistics are needed to helpdrive the outcomes that the policies are aiming at, not just to measure progresstowards those outcomes. National Strategies for the Development of Statistics(NSDS) provide a framework for building and sustaining capacity to producenational statistics.Millions of people living on less than $1 a day in 2003(based on most recent estimates per country)South Asia 472Sub-Saharan Africa 320East Asia and Pacific 213- of which China 179Latin America and Caribbean 49Europe and Central Asia 9Middle East and North Africa 5Total 1,068[ ]“Sound data representa key weaponin the battle against poverty”Tadao Chino, former President, Asian Development Bank4

Counting Down PovertyMillennium Development goals, targets and indicatorsHeads of state agreed upon the MDGs and global targets for international developmentin September 2000 during the UN Millennium Summit, with the aim to dramatically reduceworld poverty by 2015. The MDGs have proved to be a powerful tool for building the politicalwill needed, and the Goals provide a focus for both government and civil society. But tomeet the Goals, comprehensive information is needed to monitor progress towardsnational and international targets, to inform policies and development strategies, and tospur the international community into action. A set of indicators has been developed tomeasure progress towards the MDGs and targets and, in turn, the indicators rely oninformation from robust and reliable national statistical systems. MDG CountryReports document the progress in individual countries and assess each country’s statisticalcapacity as a fundamental part of weighing whether the country is likely to meet its ownMDG targets.Millennium Development GoalsGoal 1: Eradicate extreme poverty and hungerGoal 2: Achieve universal primary educationGoal 3: Promote gender equality and empower womenGoal 4: Reduce child mortalityGoal 5: Improve maternal healthGoal 6: Combat HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseasesGoal 7: Ensure environmental sustainabilityGoal 8: Develop a global partnership for developmentAid EffectivenessGood statistics help donors by informing aid allocation decisions and by monitoringthe use of aid and development outcomes. The Paris Declaration on Aid Effectiveness(March 2005) recognises the need for better statistics for more effective aid. Ministers ofdeveloped and developing countries responsible for promoting development and Headsof multilateral and bilateral development institutions stressed the need to:1. Put control in the hands of partner countries,2. Align donor support with partner countries’ development strategies, institutionsand procedures, and6

The role of statistics in world development3. Harmonise donor actions to be collectively more effective,4. While monitoring implementation and outcomes within a framework of mutualaccountability between development partners............Acknowledging the need for better statistics for more effective aid.Evidence for all: DFID statistics strategyAs part of their strategy to improve aid effectiveness, statisticians at the UK’sDepartment for International Development (DFID) will ensure the effective use ofstatistics and evidence by:• Encouraging everyone in DFID to monitor progress (at all levels such as project,programme and policy) as part of routine management behaviour — and to usethat information in decision-making.• Improving DFID data collection systems and quality control.• Improving dissemination and communication of evidence and results.Governments and donors are more focussed than ever before on the desiredoutcomes and impact of their development efforts, and on using information to improvepolicy and decision-making. Citizens, meanwhile, need statistics to hold their governmentsto account. So, statistics are important to development progress, not just to monitorprogress but to help drive the outcomes that the statistics are measuring. But recognisingthe critical role of statistics is one thing; doing something about it is another. Muchmore remains to be done to ensure the better use of better statistics as part ofthe enabling environment for development.Countries need both financial and technical assistance, in addition to their ownresources. This will be a long-term process, which will need to be both scaled-up andsustained. And countries need this support to be well coordinated and effective. A 2005review of donor support for statistical capacity building in Africa by the Partnership inStatistics for Development in the 21 st Century (PARIS21) showed that this is not alwaysthe case, with some donors remarking that there is insufficient donor collaboration andthat programmes are not always designed with capacity building as an objective.Coordination is a key consideration with, for instance, 13 donors assisting statistics inMozambique, 11 in Tanzania, 10 in Uganda and 9 in Cape Verde. That is not to say thatcoordination is not working well in any of these countries, just that it is an issue.7

Counting Down PovertyPhotographer: Curt Carnemark / World Bank[ ]“Information gives youthe power to makethe right decisions”Dr Roberto Tapia Conyer, Vice-Minister, Ministry of Health, MexicoBuilding statistical capacity for better development resultsExperience has shown that statistics can best be improved through a comprehensivestrategic approach, aimed both at producing better data now as well as building sustainablestatistical capacity for the future — rather than through the often piecemeal efforts of thepast which tended to produce statistics but not the capacity to replicate them in the future.In most developing countries, financial resources are very limited, and careful decisionsneed to be made about how best to develop statistics most effectively and efficiently. Thiscan be facilitated through the design and implementation of strategic statistical plans,National Strategies for the Development of Statistics (NSDSs), aligned with the widernational policy frameworks and strategies. It also makes sense to build on what exists andwhat is already being developed through programmes such as the IMF’s General DataDissemination System (GDDS), in which a large number of countries already participate,and the work of the Health Metrics Network (HMN), to expand the availability and useof timely and accurate country-based health information systems.8

The role of statistics in world developmentMainstreaming strategic planning of statisticsMainstreaming strategic planning of statistics is the first, and overarching, action inthe Marrakech Action Plan for Statistics (MAPS), agreed at the Second InternationalRoundtable on Managing for Development Results that was held in Marrakech, Morocco,in February 2004. MAPS stressed the intent of PARIS21 partners to help developingcountries to establish sustainable statistical capacity and national commitment to statistics.MAPS aims to accelerate progress in improving development data, based on actions tohelp both national and international statistical agencies. The actions were brought togetherthrough collaboration with a number of partners, and built on the results of a PARIS21task team which looked at ways to improve statistics for monitoring development goals.The six actions of the Marrakech Action Plan for StatisticsThe first set of actions addresses national needs:1. Mainstream strategic planning of statistics2. Prepare for the 2010 population census round3. Increase investment in statisticsThe second set addresses international responsibilities:4. Set up an International Household Survey Network5. Improve MDG monitoring6. Improve international accountability in statisticsThe objective of mainstreaming strategic planning of statistics is to enable alldeveloping countries to base their statistical development around National Strategies forthe Development of Statistics as an integral part of development processes. MAPSendorsed the PARIS21 target for all low-income countries to implement NSDSs with a viewto producing better national statistics by the time of the next Millennium review in 2010.In 2007, the emphasis is moving from helping countries to design their NSDSs to helpingwith implementation.11

Counting Down PovertyNational Strategies for the Development of Statistics (NSDS)The added value of the NSDS approach is that it looks at statistical capacity buildingthrough a development and management lens; and looks at development policyand best management practices through a statistical lens — all in pursuit of betterdevelopment outcomes. It sets strategic planning and priority setting within thecontext of the entire statistical system, including statistics produced by line ministries,as well as addressing essential organisational and institutional issues.An NSDS will provide a vision for where the National Statistical System (NSS) shouldbe in five to ten years. It also provides a robust framework and action plan for buildingstatistical capacity to meet both current and future data needs across all sectors, sothat improvement plans can focus on areas where capacity building is needed most.It builds on existing work and provides a coherent framework for funding decisionsby governments and for coordinating the contributions of external donors.NSDSs may take many forms, depending on country experiences and progress.A good strategy, adequately funded and successfully implemented, can make a bigdifference to the performance of an NSS and help those countries locked in thevicious cycle of under-funding and under-performance to break free.Many countries have found that they need strong leadership to see the strategicplanning processes through and to gain the necessary high-level government supportto implement their strategic plans. Coordination across the NSS and coherence ofdonor support is essential. To be fully effective, all national and international statisticalactivities should be placed within the context of a country’s NSDS.Overall, out of 105 countries covered by a recent PARIS21 report (April 2006), 34 havestrategies in place while 54 are at various stages in preparing strategies. But another17 neither have strategies in place nor have started to design one, though a numberof these countries have expressed their intention to do so. It should be noted that somecountries with existing strategies also intend to update and develop them, followingthe NSDS approach.12

The role of statistics in world developmentHelping countries to prepare for the 2010 Census RoundPopulation censuses are the backbone of any national statistical system and are vitalto set baselines at least every decade. They establish the size, nature and location of a country’spopulation. They provide essential data for monitoring progress towards the MillenniumDevelopment Goals; allow sound estimates of the country as a whole to be made from samplesurveys; and provide the foundation for deciding on the structure for political representation.They also provide key information on the location and composition of the population, afundamental need, for instance, to plan efforts to provide education and health for all.The complexity and cost of censuses, and their high political profile, put them in adifferent league from other exercises run by national statistics offices. Populations aresubstantially larger than they were ten years ago so costs have risen, while it is often moredifficult to attract funds for censuses than before.MAPS activities include finding ways to reduce the cost of census-taking; improvingmethods to make inter-census population estimates; assisting countries in advocating forthe importance of census-taking, for securing funding, and for planning; and providingcountries with technical knowledge and guidance.[ ]“Whatever we do,we are guided by figures”Yoweri Museveni, President of Uganda13

Counting Down PovertyCarrying out the 2006 population census in Nigeria — the role of the ECCensus taking in Nigeria, the most populous country in Africa, is a complex, difficultand controversial task. With an election due in Nigeria in 2007, a successful censuswas carried out in early 2006. The census not only enables the constitutionallyrequired demarcation of election areas, but also helps Nigerians build much-neededtrust in Nigerian institutions, electoral or otherwise. To support this task, the EuropeanCommission signed a FinancingAgreement for the Census SupportProgramme at the end of 2004,which is implemented through aContribution Agreement signed withthe United Nations DevelopmentProgramme (UNDP). This Nigerianprogramme will strengthenevidence-based policy-making,people-oriented service delivery andPhotographer: Trevor Samson / World Banka culture of transparency andaccountability.The EC contribution of Euro 116.5 million from 2004–2007 is financing payments toover 800,000 census staff. Training for census staff, the provision of censusquestionnaires, data capturing and processing technology, plus the support fornational census monitoring projects and external monitoring missions — all these actionsequally enhance the credibility of the census.The National Population Commission (NPopC) in Nigeria put in place a strategy topromote gender equity throughout the census-taking process. Once data becomeavailable, they will form the basis of knowledge on pertinent demographic, socioeconomicand cultural issues for many years to come. The census helps Nigeria ensurethat policy decisions and monitoring efforts are rooted in sound information and canthus be better implemented to the greater benefit of its population.14

The role of statistics in world developmentHMN's MoVE initiativeA fundamental prerequisite for, and sign of, good governance is knowledge ofpopulation size, structure and change — births, deaths and causes of death. TheMillennium Development Goals (MDGs), several of which relate to mortality, have drawnthe attention of policy makers at national and global levels to the need for accurateand timely population data. Yet such information is lacking in the majority of developingcountries, where births and deaths too often go unregistered and causes of deathremain poorly understood.Tackling this striking imbalance between demand and supply is one of the objectivesof the Health Metrics Network. To this end, HMN is involved with other partners inlaunching an international advocacy and research effort to improve the coverage andquality of vital statistics — the Monitoring of Vital Events (MoVE) initiative. Both theneed and the responsibility for population statistics extend well beyond the health sectorand key partners in the initiative include national statistics offices, local governmentand interior ministries as well as the multilateral statistical and development partners.Anticipated outcomes include consensus around innovative approaches to improvingvital statistics such as use of demographic surveillance, sample registration systemsand use of verbal autopsy for settings where medical certification of cause of deathis not possible.For countries without strong civil registration systems, monitoring progress towardsthe achievement of MDG 5 by tracking levels of maternal mortality remains a hugechallenge. As the year 2015 is fast approaching, HMN and its partners are advocatingbetter ways of measuring maternal mortality for countries where other data sourcesare not currently available. The 2010 Round of Population and Housing Censuses isa potential source of information that has hitherto been inadequately exploited. Wherethe census already includes questions on household deaths during the previousyear, a few additional questions related to the timing of the death in relation topregnancy can generate important information in a cost-effective manner. Whilstrecognising that the census cannot meet all information needs on maternal mortality,for those countries able to mount a census this is a key opportunity not to be missed.To this end, HMN partners are developing guidance and support capacity buildingin countries through data analysis workshops.15

Counting Down PovertyIncreasing financing for countries to improve their statistical capacityThere has been considerable under-investment in national statistical systems indeveloping countries. But new financing opportunities have arisen, such as direct budgetsupport, including monitoring and evaluation of Poverty Reduction Strategy programmes.New instruments have also been created, such as the World Bank's Trust Fund forStatistical Capacity Building (TFSCB), which has helped many countries to design theirNSDSs; and STATCAP, which can help in implementation. STATCAP projects are underwayin seven countries, with projects in the pipeline in several others.[ ]“…we urged all MultilateralDevelopment Banks and all donorsto step up support for strengtheningstatistical and related institutionalcapacity in partner countries”World Bank and IMF Development Committee Communiqué, April 23, 2006Photographer: Curt Carnemark / World Bank16

The role of statistics in world developmentStrengthening the Tajikistan National Statistical System: Partnership in actionIn Tajikistan, TAJSTAT (STATCAP) is a co-financed project aimed at helping the StateStatistics Committee (SSC) to implement a Multi-year Integrated Statistical Plan (MISP).The UK and Sweden are the main financial partners, and they are putting theircontributions into a World Bank managed trust fund. Technical partners include TIKA(Turkey), JICA (Japan) and EUROSTAT (EC). The partners have agreed to joint monitoringand mid-term reviews. Project components are being co-ordinated with IMF, FAO,UNICEF and Asian Development Bank to avoid duplication and to increase efficacy.As a precursor to TAJSTAT, SSC received funding from the Trust Fund for StatisticalCapacity Building for technical assistance to develop the MISP to cover the wholenational statistical system, including relevant line ministries and agencies. TheGovernment has approved the MISP and been very supportive of its implementation,which will significantly improve the capacity of SSC and other agencies that deal withdata collection and dissemination. The main objective of the project is to improveefficiency and effectiveness of the National Statistical System to enable it to providerelevant, timely and reliable data for evidence-based policy-making in support of thegovernment’s poverty reduction strategies and the process of economic development.A high-level Project Steering Committee that meets twice a year has been establishedby the government. Also, a project coordination team will carry out the implementationand daily project administrative work. It is important to note that this team will assistSSC staff to implement the project, but it will not implement the project itself, in linewith the Paris Declaration guidelines and the Bank’s policy on project implementationarrangements.As part of their commitment to the results-based agenda, other institutions have alsoprovided resources to assist countries to design or update their NSDSs — for instance,in Africa, the African Development Bank and the UK’s DFID.17

Counting Down PovertySet up an International Household Survey NetworkKey development data are obtained from household surveys, but there are weaknessesin existing systems. Surveys are not conducted with the appropriate frequency, manydeveloping countries do not fund their own household survey programmes, internationalInternational Household Survey NetworkMicrodata Management ToolkitFor the documentation, dissemination and preservation of survey/census dataSurvey and census datasets areoften poorly documented anddifficult to access.1Import your data and add detailed documentationusing a specialised DDI Metadata Editor.The IHSN Toolkit provides a userfriendlysolution to:Document datasets in accordancewith international standards andbest practices:> Data easier and safer to use> Information preserved forfuture use> Identification of reliability andcomparability issues, henceimprovement of quality offuture surveys.Generate user-friendly output foreasy dissemination of data andmetadata.> Wider and more diverse useof existing data> Strengthening analyticalcapacity in the country> Increased transparency andgood governance32Run metadatadiagnostics.Automatically generate output (PDF, CD-ROM,website) for easy data sharing (country to defineits dissemination policy).Contact: info@surveynetwork.org18

The role of statistics in world developmentprogrammes are not always well coordinated, and household survey datasets are oftenunder-utilised. The International Household Survey Network (IHSN) is intended to improvethe efficiency and effectiveness of household surveys in developing countries, throughimproving knowledge of survey programmes and methods, and through betterdissemination and use of data. The IHSN brings survey producers, sponsors, and datausers together to improve the use of survey data for policy making and monitoring. Thenetwork identifies, promotes, and implements coordinated and sustainable solutions toproblems of availability and timeliness, reliability and relevance, comparability, anddissemination and use of household survey data.Make urgent improvements for MDG monitoringThree main activities are planned as part of MAPS. The first is for relevant internationalagencies to improve definitions and methods for calculating key development indicators,where needed. The second is to improve knowledge of users and producers of the MDGand other key indicators. The third is to help countries identify weaknesses and make shorttermimprovements to relevant statistical processes, such as household surveys — theobjective will be to quickly obtain (or improve) estimates of key indicators. This last activityis called the “Accelerated Data Programme” (ADP), and will be developed initially intwelve pilot countries. The goal of the ADP is to help the twelve pilot countries identifyweaknesses and make short-term improvements to relevant statistical processes, suchas household surveys, in order to quickly obtain or improve estimates of key indicators,including those for the MDGs.[ ]“Information is at the rootof everything we do”Prof. Francis Omaswa, former Director General, Ministry of Health, Uganda19

Counting Down PovertyThe Pilot Accelerated Data Programme (ADP)So much has been invested in conducting household surveys.Why can’t we better measure and monitor results?Measuring and monitoring development outcomes require timely, reliable,comparable, relevant, and accessible survey datasets. But:Issue 1Existing data are not always fullyexploited• Low capacity/interest from dataproducers• Data not always accessible tosecondary users (due to technical,financial, legal, political obstacles)• Lack of metadata makes datadifficult/risky to useIssue 2Methods and concepts are notharmonised• Surveys are often ad-hoc; littleattention is paid to harmoniseconcepts and methods acrosssurveys• Resulting indicators are not fullycomparable; conflicting andconfusing results are sometimesproducedIssue 3Timeliness and frequency are notoptimal• Survey programmes are oftendonor driven• Data gaps in some cases,duplications of activities in othersADP Task 1Data documentation anddissemination• Documenting existing datasetsfollowing internationalstandards/best practices (IHSNToolkit)• Anonymising microdata• Defining and implementingtransparent and more opendissemination policiesADP Task 2Analysis and assessment of surveydata• Assessing the relevance,comparability, reliability of existingsurvey data• Analysing data for PRSP or othersector strategies• Formulating recommendations forimproved, harmonised surveyprogrammesADP Task 3Support for data collection• Assist countries in implementingmore modular surveyprogrammes, aligned to clearlydefined prioritiesThe Accelerated Data Programme is funded by the World Bank MAPSDevelopment Grant Facility. It is implemented as a PARIS21 Satellite Programme,with various international partners.20

The role of statistics in world developmentIncrease the accountability of the International Statistical SystemThe key action under MAPS is for international statistical agencies to develop and adopta set of consistent principles for their work. Consistent, coherent and reliable internationaldatasets are an important requirement for managing for results.Inter-agency and Expert Group on MDG IndicatorsThe Inter-Agency and Expert Group (IAEG) on MDG Indicators includes departmentswithin the United Nations Secretariat, a number of UN agencies from within theUnited Nations system and outside, various government agencies and nationalstatisticians, and other organisations concerned with the development of MDG dataat the national and international levels, including donors and expert advisers.IAEG is responsible for data preparation and analysis to monitor progress towardsthe MDGs. The Group also reviews and defines methodologies and technical issuesin relation to the indicators, produces guidelines, and helps define priorities andstrategies to support countries in data collection, analysis and reporting on MDGs.Over the past few years, the IAEG has promoted improvement and betterdocumentation of the standards and methods used in compiling and analysing MDGindicators — including finding ways to aggregate country data in a meaningful way,overcoming problems of comparability and, even more importantly, providing ameaningful analysis of the aggregate figures that represent the local situation. Thiswork is done through thematic sub-groups established within IAEG and throughother inter-agency mechanisms that connect specialised agencies in the variousfields covered by the MDGs.21

Counting Down PovertyOther examples of how PARIS21 partnersare assisting statistical developmentExample: AFRISTAT (Economic and Statistical Observatory for Sub-SaharanAfrica): A regional approach to technical assistanceThe mission of AFRISTAT is to strengthen the development of economic, social andenvironmental statistics in member states and to improve their competence in theseareas. It is recognised as an African skills centre in the development of statistics, carryingout programmes and projects for many international financial and technical partnersin a number of African countries.Photographer: Ami Vitale / World BankAFRISTAT supports theactivities of nationalstatistical offices inmember states(presently 18 members,though any sub-SaharanAfrican country canbecome a member). Itsstatutory power inrelation to its membersis in the area ofharmonisation ofconcepts, internationalstandards and statisticalmethods. AFRISTAT also promotes regional and economic integration, by aiming forconsistency and better comparability of statistical data. To this end, it supportsnational statistical offices in data collection, processing and dissemination, as well asdata analysis and interpretation.Its work covers these areas: organisation and administration of statistical systems,national accounts and macro economics, prices and household expenditure surveys,informal sector statistics, agricultural statistics, data processing and data dissemination.Its main activities are on-site technical assistance and training through seminars andworkshops, as well as occasional regional or sub-regional workshops on relevant topics.22

The role of statistics in world developmentExample: The UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) supportsKenya’s statistics systemKenya's Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) has developed a strategic plan to strengthenits national statistics system. Over the next five years, the Kenya Government, the DFID(UK£6.5 million) and the World Bank (US$20 million) will commit significant funds toimplement this plan.Kenya has passed a new Statistics Act as a key strand of this strategic plan. The Actgives CBS more independence in delivering statistics, and greater autonomy inrecruiting and retaining high-quality staff.A household survey programme has been developed and DFID support has alreadyled to the completion of the Kenya Integrated Household Budget Survey. New surveyson governance and disability are also planned for the near future.The DFID funding also covers statistics production in other government ministries, plussupport to external research institutions. Administrative data systems in the police andprison services are already being boosted with equipment and technical support. Similarwork is planned in the area of trade and industry. And a Chronic Poverty ResearchCentre has been set up at the University of Nairobi to explore how and why peoplemove into and out of poverty.Besides supporting the production of statistics, DFID is bolstering the use ofinformation. The Ministry of Planning and National Development has set up amonitoring and evaluation directorate. This coordinates the production of annualprogress reports for Kenya's Economic Recovery Strategy, and also wider monitoringand evaluation issues across government.23

Counting Down PovertyExample: Building capacity through Institutional Cooperation — a unique“twinning” arrangement in MozambiqueSince 2002, Mozambique’s National Institute for Statistics (INE) has “twinned” withthe three national statistical bureaux of Denmark, Norway and Sweden. The principalidea behind this institutional cooperation is for INE to use the relevant parts of thecompetence, methodology, institutional arrangements, work processes, etc of the threeScandinavian bureaux in a long-term arrangement, supported by donors from the samethree countries. The project assists inimplementing a 5-year strategic plan tostrengthen the National Statistical Systemin Mozambique, with a focus on supportingpoverty reduction. The project arrangementsemphasise donor coordination, withDenmark as INE’s lead partner, as well asINE’s responsibility for project activities andtheir integration into INE’s plans andprocesses.Photographer: Ray Witlin / World BankThe three Scandinavian bureaux have verysimilar statistical systems, which facilitatesthis unique “twinning” arrangement. Threeexternal reviews have been carried out andthey were all positive. For instance, a midtermreview highlighted the main reasonsfor success as the focus on capacitybuilding, long-term engagement, assuredfinance, commitment of INE and quality of thesupport.24

The role of statistics in world developmentExample: United Nations Development Account: Spurring regional actionThe United Nations Statistics Division helps countries to foster strong statisticalsystems through training, advisory services, and regional and sub-regional projects.The focus in recent years is on improving south-south collaboration and buildingnetworks of statisticians in the regions and sub-regions, to create strong communitiesof statisticians who draw on each other’s strengths and achievements.The United Nations Development Account is a funding mechanism provided by theGeneral Assembly. Project proposals are approved every two years. Such proposalsare actively oriented towards regional capacity-building. Since 1999, UNSD has executedfive projects covering over 65 countries in these regions: the Caribbean Community(CARICOM), the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Economic andSocial Commission of Western Asia (ESCWA), the Economic Community of WestAfrican States (ECOWAS) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC).Each project is implemented under the leadership of a steering committee composedof Chief Statisticians of member states. They decide on project priorities andimplementation modalities, and ensure project sustainability. A clear outcome is thestronger regional cohesion and collaboration in statistical development.In the Southern African region, the steering committee of the recently launchedproject includes international partners with activities in the region. This spurscoordination of the ongoing work, and encourages learning from each other’sexperience while avoiding duplications. At the same time, it ensures that the variousproject components are fully consistent with their overall National Strategies for theDevelopment of Statistics.25

Counting Down PovertyExample: Health Metrics Network —Stakeholder alignment to support managing for development results in Sierra LeoneKey stakeholders in the health information system of Sierra Leone include the centralstatistics office (Statistics Sierra Leone), select offices and programmes of the Ministryof Health and Sanitation and various agencies (WHO, UNICEF, UNAIDS). With supportfrom the Health Metrics Network, these stakeholders have completed an assessmentof the health information system (HIS) and drafted a 10 year HIS strategic plan. Keystrategies adopted include:• An integrated data warehouse to bring data together at district level frommultiple routine sources (specific vertical programmes, surveillance, facilityservices, logistics, human resources, finances) to provide regular summariesfor action at the district level, feedback to health facilities and timely, completeelectronic transmission to multiple users at national level;• A ten year plan to coordinate nationally representative household and healthfacility surveys;• Precise measurement of maternal mortality with the 2014 national populationcensus;• National health accounts to be completed for the first time in 2007 and updatedannually thereafter.This improved coordination and investment in key health information strategies comesjust as the World Bank and DFID are collaborating with government officials ondesign of major new support to the health sector: a $30 million, 4 year grant from theWorld Bank's Africa Catalytic Growth Fund for Accelerated Child Survival andDevelopment and a UK£40 million, 10 year DFID program for Scaling Up BasicServices for Sexual, Reproductive and Child Health. The improved coordination anddirection for the country's health information system will permit monitoring andevaluation needs for these new programmes to be aligned with and largely met bykey activities included in the 10 year HIS strategic plan.26

The role of statistics in world developmentWhat Next?This booklet has outlined the need for good statistics in order to eliminate povertyeffectively. Over the last few years there has been an increased awareness of the valueof statistics, particularly in the context of Poverty Reduction Strategies, the MillenniumDevelopment Goals and the Managing for Development Results agenda. However, thishas not been matched by an increase in the resources and effort put into buildingsustainable statistical capacity, either by developing countries or their donor partners.[ ]“We need to prove that our policiesare working. It is vital thereforethat we can reasonably accuratelymeasure which policies are delivering.I am of the view that we are not investingenough in building statisticalcapability.”Hon. Dr. Donald Kaberuka, former Minister for Finance and Economic Planning, RwandaCurrently, in many of the poorest countries, the availability of data is not sufficient tosupport effective progress. A step increase is required in the commitment of resourcesto statistical development. To be sustainable, this increase in commitment needs tocome from both donors and the developing countries themselves. In the long run,investment in better use of statistics will pay for itself many times over through improvedeffectiveness of resources put into development. Increased investment does not need tocome directly in the form of stand-alone statistical support. It is a natural and essentialpart of existing wider frameworks and strategies for development. For example, directbudgetary support, poverty reduction strategies and sector-wide approaches all requirereliable and timely statistics to direct and monitor policies. The required information willonly be available with improvements to country and international statistical systems.27

Counting Down PovertyThird International Roundtable on Managing for Development Results, Hanoi,5-8 February 2007The Third International Roundtable onManaging for Development Results, held inVietnam in February 2007, provided aplatform for the international statisticalcommunity to signal the move fromdesigning National Strategies for theDevelopment of Statistics to implementingthem, incorporating other elements of theMAPS such as the International HouseholdSurvey Network and Accelerated DataProgramme. PARIS21 partners will placedual emphasis on countries satisfyingimmediate data production needs duringNSDS implementation as well as buildingsustainable statistical systems for thefuture.Photographer: Curt Carnemark / World BankTo ensure sustainability of statisticalsystems, national funding for statistics mustbe increased, complemented by a stepincrease in international support to reinforcecapacity building. The Third Roundtablereviewed what is working and what is not working in building statistical capacity, andthe application of Paris Declaration principles to technical and financial support fordeveloping countries’ national statistical systems within the broader context ofManaging for Development Results.28

The role of statistics in world developmentHow can PARIS21 help?PARIS21 is focussing its efforts on assisting all low-income countries to implementNational Strategies for the Development of Statistics (NSDSs) with a view to producingbetter national statistics by the time of the next Millennium review in 2010. The emphasisis moving from helping countries to design their NSDSs — mainly through regionalworkshops addressing key stages of NSDS design — to helping with implementation.PARIS21 is not a funding agency but works mainly through advocacy, influence, facilitationand lesson learning. Operational activities depend on efforts by countries in partnershipwith regional organisations, specialised UN agencies and donors.Much of what the PARIS21 Secretariat does is about building and maintainingeffective communication and co-operation across the partnership; and advocacy:• Advocacy for evidence-based policy and decision-making• Advocacy for NSDSs to provide a coherent framework for all statistical capacitybuilding processes, whether funded nationally or by donors• Advocacy for more funding and technical support for statistical capacity building.A range of advocacy materials is available to suit various audiences. And PARIS21partners have developed guidance to assist countries to design and implement theirNSDSs. All of this documentation — as well as a wealth of information from other bilateraland multilateral institutions — is available in the NSDS Knowledge Base on the PARIS21website.PARIS21 is working with regional partner organisations to roll out the NSDS approach,including helping to identify specific messages and target audiences; supporting advocacyactivities and launching of NSDS implementation; identifying international and nationalstakeholders and participating in stakeholder workshops; disseminating NSDSdocumentation to stakeholders; providing briefing sessions to help develop expertise instrategic planning; and facilitating peer review missions for countries.29

Counting Down PovertyPARIS21 has been given the responsibility for managing the pilot phases of settingup the International Household Survey Network (IHSN) and the Accelerated DataProgramme (ADP) in pilot countries as well as the Metagora project on human rightsstatistics, which entered its second phase in 2007.For further information on PARIS21:PARIS21 SecretariatOECD/DCD2 rue André Pascal75775 Paris Cedex 16contact@paris21.orgTel: +33 1 45 24 90 51Fax: +33 1 45 24 94 06www.paris21.orgThe PARIS21 Secretariat would like to thank all contributors to this booklet and those whocommented on earlier drafts, including members of the PARIS21 Steering Committee and otherpartner institutions.Design: Vif Argent Communication / France30

The role of statistics in world developmentPhotographer: Curt Carnemark / World Bank31

Partnership in Statistics for Development in the 21 st Century (PARIS21)PARIS21 is a unique global partnership of national and international statisticians,development professionals, policy makers, analysts and other users of statistics whoare committed to making a real difference to the contribution of statistics todevelopment progress.The partnership was established following an internationalmeeting in November 1999 by the European Commission, the International MonetaryFund, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, the UnitedNations, and the World Bank. Its secretariat is hosted by the OECD.PARIS21’s goal is to develop a culture of evidence-based policy making andimplementation which serves to improve governance and governmenteffectiveness in reducing poverty and achieving the Millennium DevelopmentGoals.PARIS21 - OECD/DCD2 rue André Pascal - 75775 Paris Cedex 16contact@paris21.orgTel: +33 1 45 24 90 51 - Fax: +33 1 45 24 94 06www.paris21.org