Statistics system under review

IN a bid to encourage the use of statistical data as a critical tool in aiding policy formulation and national development, the National Planning Commission (NPC) is evaluating the National Statistical System (NSS).

To date, review of the NSS and the Third National Statistical Plan (NSP3) have come under the spotlight with the sole aim of policy development, planning and decision-making in Namibia. The NSP3 sought, among other things, to present an understanding and broader picture of the value and position of the NSS.”The assessment is aimed at presenting an understanding and picture of where the NSS is now in terms of the legal and institutional framework for production of official statistics, linkages and co-ordination arrangements among producers and users of statistics, current and future user needs, existing capacity to meet these needs and fill existing data gaps,” stated the report.Today’s world has become more dynamic and competitive, therefore statistical tools have become more vital.By making use of various statistical data, government authorities, the private sector and civil society can forecast eventualities.Hence, statistical tools are crucial elements aiding policy formulation and national development.The ongoing NPC evaluation established that: “Government recognises statistics as an essential information age tool and resource for supporting national efforts in managing development results.”It emerged that key stakeholders in the NSS were data users, producers, suppliers and research and training institutions.Further, the production and compilation of official statistics in Namibia had been decentralised with many institutions involved in data collection and or compilation.However, the evaluation exposed major weaknesses, such as the lack of a statistical culture and inadequate advocacy, a lack of feedback mechanisms, and insufficient co-ordination of the NSS leading to duplication of efforts.It further noted: “There seems to be unsatisfactory communication and information flow between and within institutions, data gaps and lack of a national data bank.”Lack of a statistical culture and inadequate statistical advocacy as well as insufficient co-ordination continue to haunt the nation.”On a positive note, Namibia enjoyed the existence of a Statistical Advisory Committee (SAC), functioning of independent policy research institutions, training houses, modern Information Technology (IT) infrastructure and to a larger extent government support.The NSP3 sought, among other things, to present an understanding and broader picture of the value and position of the NSS.”The assessment is aimed at presenting an understanding and picture of where the NSS is now in terms of the legal and institutional framework for production of official statistics, linkages and co-ordination arrangements among producers and users of statistics, current and future user needs, existing capacity to meet these needs and fill existing data gaps,” stated the report.Today’s world has become more dynamic and competitive, therefore statistical tools have become more vital.By making use of various statistical data, government authorities, the private sector and civil society can forecast eventualities.Hence, statistical tools are crucial elements aiding policy formulation and national development.The ongoing NPC evaluation established that: “Government recognises statistics as an essential information age tool and resource for supporting national efforts in managing development results.”It emerged that key stakeholders in the NSS were data users, producers, suppliers and research and training institutions.Further, the production and compilation of official statistics in Namibia had been decentralised with many institutions involved in data collection and or compilation.However, the evaluation exposed major weaknesses, such as the lack of a statistical culture and inadequate advocacy, a lack of feedback mechanisms, and insufficient co-ordination of the NSS leading to duplication of efforts.It further noted: “There seems to be unsatisfactory communication and information flow between and within institutions, data gaps and lack of a national data bank.”Lack of a statistical culture and inadequate statistical advocacy as well as insufficient co-ordination continue to haunt the nation.”On a positive note, Namibia enjoyed the existence of a Statistical Advisory Committee (SAC), functioning of independent policy research institutions, training houses, modern Information Technology (IT) infrastructure and to a larger extent government support.