4 funding modality and through a loan from the World Bank; and Grants from Department for International Development (DFID) now the Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and Global Affairs – Canada.
The main objective of TSMP I was to strengthen the National Statistical System (NSS) to enable production of quality statistics for decision-making. The TSMP I provided a framework for reforming the NSS; advocating for use of statistics; assessing, prioritizing and meeting user needs in a comprehensive and rationalized manner. The TSMP I enabled the Government to access official data needed for monitoring national development frameworks including the Tanzania Development Vision 2025, implemented through First and Second Five Year Development Plans (FYDP-I&II); and the Zanzibar Development Vision 2020 implemented through the Second and Third Zanzibar Strategies for Growth and Reduction of Poverty (ZSGRP- II&III) famously known as MKUZA. The Plan also focused on developing a sustainable mechanism to support provision of quality statistics and harmonized high frequency data for monitoring and evaluation of development programs including regional and international development aspirations such as Africa Agenda 2063 and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development that are mainstreamed into national and sectoral frameworks.
In addition, after completion of TSMP I in 2018, NBS received support for development of Tanzania statistics known as European Union Trust Fund (EUTF) from the European the Union (EU). This support aimed at sustaining achievements of TSMP I by strengthening availability of poverty, employment and agricultural data which are crucial in assessment of development plans. Under this support, the World Bank implemented activities aimed at building statistical capacity within the NSS.
The Government of United Republic of Tanzania has embarked on formulating the second Tanzania statistical Master Plan (TSMP II). Development and implementation of TSMP II is intending to maintain and sustain achievements of TSMP I in strengthening capacity of all actors in collecting, analyzing and using statistics with primary focus on improving administrative data systems.
5
1.2 INSTITUTIONAL AND LE GAL ENVIRONMENT FOR STATISTICS IN TANZAN IA
Tanzania being a union country has two distinct legislations governing statistical operations, one
for Tanzania Mainland, and the other for Tanzania Zanzibar. For Tanzania Mainland, the
Statistics Act CAP 351 mandates the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) which is an autonomous
public office to provide official statistics and to coordinate production of statistics in the
National Statistical System (NSS). Before, NBS was a Government Executive Agency established
by the Executive Agencies Act No. 30, 1997. The transformation of NBS aimed at enhancing
effectiveness and efficiency in statistical production and coordination of the NSS.
With regards to Zanzibar, statistical operations are guided by the Statistics Act No. 9 of 2007. This Act mandates Office of the Chief Government Statistician (OCGS) to provide official statistics to the Government, business community and the public at large. The OCGS operated as a department within the Zanzibar Planning Commission before being transformed into semi - autonomous public institution. Like for Tanzania Mainland, the transformation of OCGS aimed at enhancing effectiveness and efficiency in statistical production and coordination in Zanzibar.
Despite application of two distinct statistical legislations in the United Republic of Tanzania (URT), statistical reporting of regional and international commitments requires statistics that are representative of the URT. Consequently, the Statistics Act, CAP 351 of the United Republic of Tanzania mandates NBS to act as a contact point for reporting statistics at international level. This requires NBS to ensure that statistics reported at international level represents both parts of the United Republic of Tanzania.
1.3 NATIONAL STATISTICAL SYSTEM IN TANZANIA
The National Statistical System (NSS) has several actors, including data producers, providers,
suppliers and users as well as statistical training institutions. These actors are Ministries,
Departments and Agencies (MDAs); Local Government Authorities (LGAs); Public Institutions
and Statutory Corporations (PISCs); as well as Non-State Actors (NSAs). The apex bodies for
coordination of NSS are the NBS and OCGS for Tanzania Mainland and Tanzania Zanzibar
respectively.
6 1.4 RATIONALE FOR TSMP I I Tanzania has been implementing a number of development strategies and plans to bring about social, environment and economic transformation. Currently, these strategies and programmes are implemented in Annual Plans in the framework of Five Years Development Plans (FYDPs), with the current plan, FYDP III being implemented for the period 2021/22-2025/26 in Tanzania Mainland. For Zanzibar, implementations of development programmes are contained in Annual Development Plans guided by Five-Year Zanzibar Medium Term Development Strategy (ZMTDS 2021/22-2025/26). Implementations of national and sectoral strategic plans have escalated the demand for statistics to provide a basis for measuring and monitoring of progress being made.
At the regional and global level, there is now a greater emphas is on evidence - based policy and decision making to respond to the coordinated regional and global develo pment frameworks. These frame works include: - the United Nations Agenda 2030 for Su stainable Development Goals (SDGs - 2030), the East African Communit y ( EAC) Vision 2050, Southern Africa Development Community ( SADC) Vision 2050; SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan (RISDP–2030) and the Africa Un ion Agenda 2063 constitute potential demand for national statistics. The frameworks have also increased demand for hi gh quality data. Demand for data has also reshaped the landscape for st atistics production whereas there is more use of data from non -traditional sources into the st atistical process to complement data from traditional sources. The use of non-traditional data sources introduces newer data producers into the NSS. This cr eates a need for a strategic statistical plan f or better coordination of the statistical operations across the new frontiers of the Statistical System.
Despite the increased demands for statistics, resources for statistical development have not
expanded sufficiently to meet such demands. In this regard, decisions have to be made on the
best ways to develop statistics that meet the ever-widening data demands. Therefore, a
strategic, prioritized and realistic approach is needed to plan and deliver the requisite statistics.
Moreover, the experience from TSMP I reveals that , most activities we re financed by
government budget and donors through which some mileages were achieved. After closure of
TSMP I, several challenges in production of statistics emerged, such as timely undertaking of
planned activities (surveys, censuses, training and capacity building activities) and delays in
statistical production and data dissemination . This has led to decrease in release of statistical
7 products as planned according to Advanced Release Calendar from 75 percent during TSMP I to about 45 percent during the absence of TSMP support.
In response to challenges of statistics production, the Government of United Republic of Tanzania through NBS and OCGS have resorted to develop and implement the Second National Statistical Master Plan (TSMP II) that addresses the above shortfalls. TSMP II is designed to mobilize and leverage resources (both national and international) to be used to strengthen production of statistics in the NSS.
Most of the statistics used in policy development processes originate from administrative records, which are cost effective and commendable alternative to surveys and censuses. However, administrative data have not been fully exploited owing to quality and reliability issues. To maximise use of administrative data, the TSMP II has underlined the need to ensure fully functional administrative record systems at all levels in Tanzania.
The TSMP II is therefore intended to further strengthen capacity of key NSS actors in collecting, analyzing, disseminating, archiving and use of statistics. The Plan also focuses on development of sustainable mechanisms to support provision of quality statistics and high frequency data to respond to the ever-increasing demand by capitalizing on the data revolution.
1.5 TANZANIA STATISTICAL MASTER PLAN (TSMP II) The Government of United Republic of Tanzania (URT) with assistance of the Word Bank (WB), has developed the Tanzania Statistical Master Plan II (TSMP II) to be implemented between 2022/23 - 2026/27. TSMP II will maintain and sustain achievements of TSMP I and EUTF support and further support measurement of development progress on the path to transform the country into a high level of income and human development by 2025. Implementation of TSMP II activities intends to transform the National Statistical System (NSS) in three broader thematic areas, namely: - i. Data harmonization, quality and dissemination; ii. Data production and development; and iii. Infrastructure and Institutional Development.
8
1.6 THE PRO CESS OF PREPARING TH E TSMP II
The process of preparing TSMP II was guided by the standard PARIS 21 Principles of developing
National Strategies for the Development of Statistics (NSDSs) (2018). It involved review of
TSMP-I evaluation reports and related literature, extensive consultations with stakeholders1 of
statistics. In the consultations, a standardized questionnaire was administered to 70 statistical
stakeholders’ institutions in Tanzania Mainland and 10 in Tanzania Zanzibar. The questionnaire
assessed statistical capacity of institutions in terms of governance; coordination; statistical,
physical and ICT infrastructure; and sector data and systems, integration and sharing. Feedbacks
from stakeholders’ consultations were analyzed to inform areas for strategic consideration in
the TSMP II. More so, the Advanced Data Planning Tool (ADAPT) was used in identification of
statistical gaps and as a basis for costing and budgeting.
1.7 LAYOUT OF THE DOCUME NT
This document is divided into four chapters and annexes. Chapter one covers the background
information and overview of Tanzania statistical environment. It analyses the Tanzania Strategy
for Development of Statistics; the National Statistical System (NSS); and institutional and legal
frameworks for statistics. The chapter also describes the rationale for TSMP II and the process
behind its preparation.
1 Stakeholders of statistics consulted during preparation of TSMP II included users and producers of statistics in the following broad groups: - National Bureau of Statistics (NBS); Office of the Chief Government Statistician (OCGS); Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs); Research and Academic Institutions; Civil Society Organizations (CSOs); and the Private Sector.
9 Chapter Two presents the situational analysis which scans through the status of sectorial statistical systems in terms of data production; coordination; infrastructure; and institutional capacities. The chapter also provides an analysis of Strengths, Weakness, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) in the statistical environment in Tanzania.
Chapter three states the Vision, Mission and Core Values of TSMP II, and also the theory of change and desirable strategic outcomes and themes of TSMP II along with objectives, anticipated results and interventions to be executed to achieve such results.
Chapter four charts out implementation arrangement of the TSMP II which consists of management and governance of the plan; financing, monitoring, evaluation and reporting of plan activities. The chapter also addresses cross-cutting issues such as gender, socio-culture inclusion, and climate change. The chapter concludes by looking at potential risks and relevant mitigation measures. The document also includes a number of annexes, namely: -logical framework, results framework, identified data gaps and budget.
10
CHAPTER TWO: STATUS OF TH E NATIONAL STATISTIC AL SY STEM
2.0 OVERVIEW
This chapter presents the status of the National St atistical System (NSS) and lays the
foundations for areas of focus in the design o f the TSMP II. The chapter reviews succes ses,
challenges, and incomplete activi ties under TSMP I. The chapter also presents the status of
important elements for development o f statistics based on various assessment s, such as: -
statistical governance and c oordination of statistical activities; sectoral statist ical systems;
statistical infrastructure; insti tutional capacity; emerging needs and new sources of data in the
data ecosystem.
2.1 THE TANZANIA STATIST ICAL M ASTER PLAN I
The Government of the United Republic of Tanzania through NBS and OCGS in colla boration
with key statistical stakeholders, develope d an d successfully implemented the first Tanzania
Statistical Master Pla n (TSMP I) for the period 2011/12 - 2017/18. The main objective of the
first TSMP I was to provide a framework for reforming the N ational Statistical System thr ough
implementation of activities in the following components: -
i. Institutional Development and Legal Reform;
ii. Human Resource Development;
iii. Development of Statistical Infrastructure;
iv. Data Development and Dissemination; and
v. Physical Infrastructure and Equipment.
Implementation of TSMP I had several achievements in statistical development in Ta nzania. For instance, according to the Statistica l Capacity Assessment conducted by World B ank for 54 African countries for the period of 2006 - 2016, Tanzania National B ureau of Statistics ran ked
11 second after South Africa in quality of statistical Products. Some o ther remarkable achievements have been highlighted in the following paragraphs.
2.1.1 LEGAL REFORM AND INS TITUTIONAL DEVELOPME NT
Tanzania Statistical Master P lan I (TSMP I) facilita ted review of legal framework by pu rsuing the
enactment and operationali zation of the Statistics Act 2015 and it s corresponding Regulations.
The review of the Statistics act was inevitable for autonomy, mandate and roles of NBS and
OCGS within the National Statistical System. Preparation of the Act was a consultative process
drawing views from stakeholders prior to its official e nactment in 2015. The review ed Act
created an enabling environment for statistics pr oduction, coordination of the NSS and
collaboration among actors.
The current legislation covers and supports a funct ioning institutional framework for a
modernized statistical system. However, the A ct has not been fully adhered to in some cases
due to inadequate sensitization, advocacy and weak enfo rcement. Therefore, the Act needs to
be improved to strengthen the NSS c oordination. There is also need to harmo nize legal
instruments that established di fferent institutions within NSS with the Statistics Act 2015. The
current practice renders it difficul t for NBS to coordinate and link their data for use in planning
and decision making due to conflicting legal arrangement.
The Act needs further review to accommodate an expanded statistical landscape to i nclude
governance of non -traditional sources of dat a. In addition to the Statistical Act, NBS reviewed
and proposed a new organization structure and scheme of ser vice. This is yet to be
operationalised pe nding a separate review under the current government r eview. It was also
noted that reorganization was done, approved and is pending implementation.
In terms of institutional set up to manage statistics in MDAs, fi ndings from stakeholders’ review
conducted in August 2021 showed that, few institutions in the NSS have functioning Stati stical
Units. In most i nstitutions, statistical functions are integrated into Planning Departme nts,
Monitoring and Evaluation Sections and a few under ICT D epartments. Findings further
indicated that, statistical functions in Training and Research Institut ions are structured und er a
12
different arrangement, including, depar tments and sections such as Graduate studies, and
under Research Consultancy.
Misalignment of statistical fu nctions has led to inadequate functioning of statistical a ctivities in
the NSS, rendering to weak admin istrative data systems. This calls for delibe rate actions to
enhance statistical units in all institutions acros s the NSS to streamline production, acces s and
use of a dministrative data. Administrative data is cost -effective alternative and will minimize
over reliance on costly surveys and censuses.
2.1.2 STATISTICAL COORDIN ATION IN THE NATIONAL STATISTICAL SYSTEM
Statistical coordination is an importan t feature of an efficient statistical system. It is a strategic
issue and is provided for in the respective Statistics Acts of Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar. It is
meant to en hance efficiency in statistical producti on by avoiding d uplication of efforts an d
production of conflicting data, thus achieving data quality in the NSS. There is a satisfactory
coordination between the NBS and OCGS, which has en abled undertaking nationwide censuses
and surveys. However, there are still challenges in harmonization of routine data collection and
compilation at the level of the United Republic of Tanzania. This makes it difficult to obtain
Tanzania-wide statistics on some indicators.
However, coordination of non -government actor s remains weak as the use of big data a nd
citizen generated data has not been fully integrated in statistical process. Th is calls for a close
look into TSMP II including thorough review of Statistics Act to ensure it covers the access and
integration of such data in the NSS and development of guidelines to direct their use.
Statistical activities need to be coordinated and h armonized in line with agreed Intern ational
Standards to ensure international comp arability of data. The TSMP I facilitated development of
methodology, guidelines, defin itions t o improve harmonization of data in the NSS. However,
there is still more work needed to deepen interventions on standards, methods and concepts to
reach out to new data producers in NSS.
2.1.3 HUMAN RESOURCE DEVEL OPMENT
The Tanzania Statistical Master Plan I (TSMP I) addressed human resource capacity in NBS, OCGS
MDAs in Tanzania Ma inland and Zanzibar. Ac cording to the review of the TSMP I (2019), there
has been a significant improvement in human capacity develo pment within the NSS. This is
13
largely ass ociated with training programs for NBS and OCGS staff as well as beneficiary line
MDAs. Enhanced human cap acity is reflected through improved quality of publications and
statistics produced.
According to stakeholders’ assessment, majority of the institut ions have fewer statistics staff
and skills than desired, leading to unsatisfactory statistical functioning. It further revealed that,
training provided under the TSMP I enhanced NSS capacities of stak eholders but had l imited
coverage of MDAs. However, cap acity was provided to the few involved such as Police Force,
Judiciary and EASTC. Evidence from judiciary, shows that, training on official statistics influenced
and significantly improved the way cases statistics are c ollected and processed. The TSMP I
support enabled improvement of Official Statistics Curriculum in Statistical Training Institutions,
sharpened analytical skills including visualization and presentation skills, stre ngthened
collection of labour market information and preparation of quality statistical reports.
Despite these achievements, there is still a need for further improvement of human resources in
the NSS given the changing landscape of statistics characterized by the i ncrease in demand for
non-traditional data to complement census an d survey data. Harnessing of non-traditional data
sources as official statistics requ ires technological know how in areas of data retrieving,
modeling and qualitative data analysis. However, there are human resource capacity gaps in the
NSS in harnessing su ch sources. Other gaps are in technical areas particularly in sampling and
survey design. Therefore, the TSMP II implementation will have to address these capacity gaps.
2.1.4 STA TISTICAL INFRASTRUCTU RE
Tanzania like ot her countries abides to statistical standards and methods in line with
international guidelines and norms. Stakeholder co nsultations about the T SMP I, showed
stakeholders in the NSS are aware of the standards and met hods which include the UN
standards.
However, these guidelines need to be enforced by law to enhance compliance. Existence of
different legislations establishin g different institution s producing administrative data has been
referred as a major obstacle to adherence to standards, and methods. Mo ving forward, there is
a need for h armonization of legislations especially on matters related to statistical production,
enforcement of standards as well as enhancing capacity of stakeholders within NSS to adhere to
the agreed upon statistical standards.
14
Inventory of Enumeration Areas (EAs ) is upd ated after every ten years in preparation to
conducting the Population and Hous ing Census (PHC). Exper ience has shown that, there have
not been major obstacles in updating an d using EAs as sampling frame for househ old based
surveys. Fu rthermore, ad vancement in technology has contributed to improvement in
demarcation of EAs in terms o f data quality, efficie ncy and reduction of cost. In regard to the
Business Register (BR), the best practice is to update it at least o nce in a year to capture
business dynamics. However, the BR has not been updated ad equately, thus there are several
malfunctions of the business sector sampling frame. The TSMP II will underline updating of the
BR in line with best practices to enhance production of economic statistics.
2.1.5 DAT A DEVELOPMENT AND DI SSEMINATION
Current practices for data dissemination partic ularly at NBS and OCGS involve use of multiple
dissemination platforms, which include: - press release of results after compl etion of s urveys
and censuses where informa tion is d isseminated by print and electronic media; and use of ICT
dissemination platfor ms such as websites and data portals. Ta nzania Statistical Master Plan I
(TSMP I) enabled timely undertaking and dissemination of major statistical surveys and censuses
in acco rdance with the survey calendars. In MDAs, data is disseminated through writte n
reports, dissemination workshops and meetings. In addition, most MDAs have online functional
platforms which have become important ch annels for data dissemination alt hough they vary in
their use and capabilities. Other stakeholders notably Higher Learning and Research Institutions,
and to a lesser extent, the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) and the Private sector disseminate
data through respective websites, publications, peer reviews and annual conferences.
Data sharing among statistical stakeholders in the NSS remains limi ted due to low tec hnology
and capacity in carrying out further analysis. Stakeholders consultations revealed that, a handful
of institutions hav e data sha ring mechanisms in place. For i nstance, PO -RALG has a linking
mechanism with lo cal government authorit ies and Ta nzania Insurance Regulatory Authority
(TIRA) has an Integrated Management Info rmation System (MIS) wit h insurance operators.
Despite e xistence o f some forms of data dissemination and sharing in the NSS, there are
challenges which limit the extent to which statistical information can be aggregated,
disseminated and shared. For instance, production of statistics at subnational level is mostly un-
automated due to unavailabi lity of ICT infrastructure and information is archived in hardcopy
format.
15 Moreover, there are a few established administrative data collection systems in place. However, such systems are b uilt as independent stand -alone systems, t hus data are not readily exchangeable among users. Lack of system integration l imits access and avail ability of data especially from administrative data sources. Other challe nges include technical capacity to design and implement secure and cost -effective data sharing mec hanisms. These challenges require a proper intervention during the TSMP II implement ation to enhance data dissemination, access and use in the NSS.
2.1.6 PHY SICAL INFRASTRUCTURE AND EQUIPMENT
Under TSMP I, modern office building s for NBS a nd OCGS were constructed in Dod oma and
Zanzibar respectively, which have signif icantly improved the wo rking environment. Moreover,
vehicles and ICT equipment were availed to NBS and OCGSs and some MDAs notably the Police
Force, Prison Services a nd the Judi ciary. Local Area Networks (LANs) infrastructures were
restructured at NBS and OCGS and respective web sites were revamped. Revamping of physical
infrastructure enhanced data collection, processing and dissemination of statistical products in
the NSS.
The feedback from stakeholders revealed that, some physical infrastructure exists in MDAs to
support statis tical activities. Most MDAs reported that they had desktop co mputers, la ptops,
photocopy machines and printers. Other physical infrastructures which are a vailable in limited
quantities are vehicles and office space.
A few MDAs use ICT tools to capture data from the sources and therefore minimize human error
in data collection. These tools include: - GPS, image scann ers, digital ca meras and table ts with
data collection software i.e., Computer Assisted Personal Inte rview (CAPI). Website s and web -
portals are also in use.
ICT tools used in statistical activities are supported by s tatistical software for data pr ocessing
and analysis. TSMP II will ha ve to strengthen capacity of NSS to use statistical software and also
promote adoption of advanced software such as STATA, R-studio, Tableau, Anaconda and other
related software for Big D ata analysis. Furthermore, the TSMP II w ill have to re -tool the NSS
with modern ICT equipment due to wear and tear and changes in technology.
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2.1.7 EMERGING NEE DS AND DATA GAPS
As not ed i n Chapter 1, the United Republic of Tanzania is implementing the FYD P III and
Zanzibar Development Plan (ZADEP) whose indicators are moni tored and reported periodically,
hence creating a need for data. The FYDP III is also a vehi cle for impl ementing Ta nzania’s
regional and international development commi tments. It therefor e has an obligation to report
on the pro gress which requires massive data as menti oned in chapter 1. Some of the regional
and global commitments include: - East African Vision 2050, AfDB High 5s, African Development
Agenda 2063 and SDGs 2030. There are als o other international commitments within the UN
framework such as Ist anbul Plan of Action, Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination
against Wo men (CEDAW) and a number of Multilat eral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) to
which Tanzania has to report on regularly.
Although statistical needs a ssessment was not conducted for many of th e regional and global
commitments, available information on SDGs indicators map ping reveals huge need for data.
According to SDG Voluntary National Review Report, 2019, out o f the 240 indicators 167 were
relevant. The indicators have been ma pped primary o r secon dary2 either in the national
development framework (FYDP II) or in the s ector policies and stra tegies. Furthermore, out of
the 167 indicators, 83 indicators were mappe d with FYDP II and 84 indicators with th e sector
policies and strate gies that were already being i mplemented in the country. The remaining 73
indicators, which a re potentially rel evant, we re not mapped to the national development
frameworks. Thus, the TSMP II will co ntinue to map the indicators and align with FYDP III and
other sector policies and strategies.
Some data is available for monitoring of SDGs and the indicators are highly aligned with national
priorities; however, data gaps are significantly hig h. For instance, the N ational Bureau of
Statistics provides 39% of the required indicators from surveys and censuses, meaning, the 61%
are from administrative sources in Government MDAs and other data producers.
2 Primary mapped indicators refers to national indictors which exactly match with international indicators in terms of definition and methodology while secondary indicators are national proxy indicators which do not exactly match with international indicators
17
According to Assessment of data gaps for S DGs conducted in 2019, Tanzania’s abilit y to meet
data needs for m onitoring of SDG s indicators stands at 27% (67 of all SDG indic ators). Of these
28 are SDG indi cators that are mapped to F YDP II and the other 39 are other identified
indicators (OII) mapped to national sector priorities. Moreover , di saggregated data or su b
national/local granular data availability remain a challenge and will require greater collaboration
among stakeholders in the data ecosystem to address the gaps under TSMP II.
The NSS Sta keholder’s assessment further revealed t hat MDAs mostly use data for ro utine
reporting, planning and budgeting processes, however there is no clear evidence on response to
any apparent emerging users. In contrast, Training and Research Instit utions use dat a for
academic purposes. Most MDAs have emerging data needs em anating from their e ngagement
with respective regional and international organizations.
There are variety of data user needs identified by sectors. Most MDAs have both internal as well
as exter nal data users. For instance, internal u sers in livestock sub se ctor i ncludes
Departments/units/institutions under the Ministry of Agriculture, while its e xternal users are
livestock k eepers/ farmers associations/cooperatives, research instit utions, Privat e
sector/sectoral investors (Institution /individual), and Develo pment Par tners (DP s). Others
include Ministries such as Ministry of Finance and Planning and oth er MDAs as well as Loca l
Government Authorities (LGAs).
There are significant data gaps rangin g from data disaggregation by gender and other specific
issues; the contribution of various sectors to economic growth such as the insurance sector; lack
of high ly analyzed data from b usiness processes; insufficient real time data for timely policy
adoption and disaggregated data for targeted policy interventions.
2.2 STRENGTHS, WEAKN ESS, OPPORTUNITIES A ND THREATS (SWOT)
This section presents a snapshot of analy sis of Strengths, Weakn esses, Opportunities and
Threats (SWOT) in production and use of statist ics in the NSS. The SWOT analysis helps to
identify elements of strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the o rganization and
its environment. Strengths and weaknesses are factors within the organization’s capability while
opportunities and thre ats are exogenous factors. Various a ssessments carried out on t he
landscape of pr oduction and uses of statistics in the NSS, both in Tanzania Mainland and
Zanzibar have identified these elements as outlined in Table 2.
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Table 2: SWOT analysis of the Tanzania National Statistical System
Strengths:
Availability of standard guidelines and
strategies for production of statistics;
Enabling infrastructure for production of
statistics (Statistical data bases, financial
management system, recruitment system);
Availability of the statistics legislations and
associated
regulations
to
govern
production of statistics both in Tanzania
Mainland and Zanzibar;
Existence of core competencies in most
areas of statistics production;
Good relationships between producers and
users of statistics and service providers;
and
Existence of established data sources,
Management Information Systems (MIS)
and
Existence of Statistics Units in some sectors
for carrying out statistical work.
Weaknesses:
Inadequate resources such as funds and
staff in terms of number and skills,
especially on advanced data processing
and
analysis,
sampling,
M&E,
communication,
marketing
and
dissemination;
Inadequate ICT infrastructure;
Inadequate disaggregation of data to
reflect situation at lower sub-national
levels;
Limited
coordination
of
the
NSS,
collaboration, networking and information
sharing resulting in challenges of access to
data;
Inadequate
Sector
Management
Information Systems;
Lack
of
unified
and
comprehensive
national statistical training curricula in the
NSS.
Inadequate capacity in some areas of
statistics production;
Inadequate statistical advocacy; and
Insufficient use of administrative data and
non - traditional data sources as results of
lack of frameworks and capacity.
Weak capacities in the production of
statistics within NSS;