THE ROLE OF STATISTICS IN ZIMBABWE S DEVELOPMENT

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2 THE ROLE OF STATISTICS IN ZIMBABWE S DEVELOPMENT Better use of better national statistics leads to better policies and better development progress which benefits our people The role of statistics is critical in the design and implementation of national policy frameworks such as Zimbabwe s Medium Term Plan and internationally agreed goals such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Statistics facilitate the analysis of complex social and economic issues; and enable both government and the private sector to make appropriate policy choices and to monitor and adjust policies in order to achieve their maximum impact. By under-pinning evidence-based policy-making, good statistics do enhance the transparency and accountability of policy decisions for sustainable development. The likely success of Government policies achieving their aims is greatly increased by the use of statistics. Why now? The last decade has witnessed some of the worst economic and social challenges faced by Zimbabwe.Though the demand for statistics has increased, as a result of the need to turn the economy around, and to plan and execute Zimbabwe s Medium Term Plan and other development programmes on the basis of evidence, there are, however, fewer resources available for statistical production or capacity building.

3 INVESTMENT IN STATISTICS WILL PAY FOR ITSELF MANY TIMES OVER Perhaps the most valuable contribution that statistics can make is to help ensure that our limited resources are used in the best way, by showing where resources are needed and what impact those resources make. In recent years there has been important gaps in the supply of statistics. For instance, looking at economic statistics - which are key tools in monitoring economic performance - there have been gaps in many areas. Finance Minister Tendai Biti, May 2010

4 SO ZIMBABWE NEEDS GOOD STATISTICS, HOW BEST CAN WE ORGANISE THEM? Zimbabwe s information needs can best be met by a well-planned and well - coordinated National Statistical System The Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZIMSTAT) is the main source of official statistics in Zimbabwe. However, the responsibility for the production of good quality statistics lies not in the hands of ZIMSTAT alone. As ZIMSTAT conducts the national censuses and surveys, other players like line ministries will be producing administrative data whilst other institutions will be producing a variety of other essential statistics. ZIMSTAT plays a coordination and supervisory role within the National Statistical System (NSS). The NSS includes users of statistics who create the demand for statistics, ZIMSTAT, other producers of statistics as well as research and training institutions involved in statistics. The NSS will focus on user needs and will be integrated into the Zimbabwe Medium Term Plan and sector strategies. The NSS coordination will be assured through the new Census and Statistics Act, the ZIMSTAT Board and a National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) covering the whole NSS. Zimbabwe s National Statistical System (NSS) ZIMSTAT is expected to be the hub: coordinating, harmonizing concepts and definitions, and serving as the repository of - and regional and international contact point for - all of Zimbabwe s official statistics. Deputy Prime Minister Ms. Thokozani Khupe at the formal launch of the NSDS design process, May 2010

5 NATIONAL STRATEGY FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF STATISTICS The NSDS provides an integrated framework for developing Zimbabwe s national statistics and also synthesizes the ZIMSTAT Strategic Plan and individual Sector Plans for Statistics that have been prepared by line ministries and institutions. Each of these Sector Plans was produced following extensive consultations with stakeholders. The NSDS has set out a vision to satisfy the needs of users of statistics by becoming a world class provider of official statistics. In order to achieve this vision, the NSS has identified goals, strategies and an action plan to improve the production and use of statistics. The concept of a joined-up NSS will be developed through ZIMSTAT s coordination and supervisory role. As well, a culture of quality awareness will be instilled. Two other major themes will be: capacity building - human, material and financial - and developing and carrying out the statistical work programme. Zimbabwe s National Strategy for the Development of Statistics will: Address data limitations Help prioritisation of limited resources for statistics Integrate statistics within Government policy processes Look across the whole NSS and provide a coherent framework for all national and international statistical programmes in Zimbabwe Provide an action plan for statistical capacity building Act as a catalyst for change The NSDS, if adequately funded and successfully implemented, will make a big difference to the performance of the NSS and to sustainable development in Zimbabwe

6 MDG INDICATORS FOR ZIMBABWE Goal 1: Eradicate Extreme Poverty and Hunger Total consumption poverty line per person per month, US $, 2010 Goal 3: Promote Gender Equality and Empower Women Primary school enrolment ratio Percent 2008 Goal 4: Reduce Child Mortality Children aged months fully immunized, MIMS 2009 Goal 5: Improve Maternal Health Home Deliveries, MIMS 2009 Area Name Data Value (%) (%) Bulawayo 12,40 Harare 5,70 Manicaland 48,90 Mashonaland Central 46,60 Mashonaland East 45,20 Mashonaland West 54,60 Masvingo 31,60 Matabeleland North 49,90 Matabeleland South 45,40 Midlands 44,60 Zimbabwe (average) 38,80 *MIMS (Multiple Indicator Monitoring Survey 2009)

7 MAKING STATISTICS WORK FOR ZIMBABWE Better use of better statistics leads to better policies and better development outcomes. The likely success of both Government and private sector policies in achieving their aims is greatly increased by the use of statistics. This will be achieved by: integrating statistics into national policy processes through the development of a well-planned and wellcoordinated NSS implementing the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics - a strategic plan for the National Statistical System its component parts increasing in resources for statistics in order to implement it. We need to strive to increase the level of both Government and development partner support for building the capacity to produce and use statistics; and ensure that all statistical programmes are consistent with the NSDS. This investment in statistics will pay for itself many times over.

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