TANZANIA STATISTICAL PLAN 18 Chapter One EAC) and international (e.g. United Nations). For this reason, and considering the fact that the Statistics Act No. 1 of 2002 of the United Republic of Tanzania recognized and mandated the NBS to act as a contact point for international organizations and foreign institutions in need of statistics or on statistical matters relating to the United Republic of Tanzania (The Statistics Act, 2002 section 5 (I) (c), (d), (f), (g), (h) and (i) functions of the Bureau1), the National Bureau of Statistics, therefore, is mandated to ensure that statistics collected and disseminated belong to both parts of the United Republic of Tanzania. The Statistics Act, however, requires that before NBS performs functions which extend to Tanzania Zanzibar, it should consult with the OCGS. 1.5 The Rationale The socio- economic reforms which where undertaken by the Government in the past decade have created scenarios that make it difficult for NBS to play its pivotal role in the NSS. They have created a situation whereby some institutions such as the Bank of Tanzania (BOT), the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA) and MDAs continue to produce official statistics related to their operations that are not subjected to the standards and methodologies as required by the Statistics Act. It is also worth noting that due to structural reforms, the role of the private sector in the economy is increasing. The increase of this sector affects the statistical production. One of the effects is that the statistics that were being produced by the Government through its extensive parastatal system are no longer available. Equally, inadequate coordination of statistical activities as required by the Act has led to weaknesses in statistical capacity; leading to data gaps on social and economic indicators required for monitoring the achievement of results on development policies and initiatives as required by the international development agenda outlined in the Marrakech Action Plan for Statistics 2004. Moreover, the late 1990s and the early part of the 21st century have been marked by the emergence of a more challenging environment for statistics. There is now greater emphasis, both by developing countries including Tanzania and international community, on evidence-based policy-making including
- See Annex III: Functions of National Bureau of Statistics TSMP_V3.indd 18 15/02/11 09:17
TANZANIA STATISTICAL PLAN 19 Chapter One the need to focus development efforts on measurable results. Furthermore, there is stronger demand for statistics to provide a basis for measuring and monitoring the development goals, targets, and indicators set out in countries’ National Strategy for Growth and Reduction of Poverty (NSGRP) and in the internationally endorsed Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Despite stronger demand for statistics, resources for statistical development have not expanded sufficiently to meet those increased demands. Careful decisions have to be made about how best to develop statistics most effectively and efficiently across the whole National Statistical System (NSS). Therefore, a strategic, prioritised and realistic approach is needed in the development of statistics plan and its implementation. In this regard, the Government of Tanzania, through the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and the Office of the Chief Government Statistician (OCGS) of Tanzania Zanzibar, realised the importance of having a National Statistical System in the country that addresses the above shortfalls and measures to be undertaken. These initiatives are in line with global initiatives such as the Marrakech Action Plan for Statistics (MAPS) and the Partnership in Statistics for Development in 21 st Century (PARIS21) that have recognized statistical information as a priority of the results agenda . To this end, the Tanzania Statistical Master Plan (TSMP) aims at strengthening the National Statistical System so that quality statistics for decision makers are available in an objective, coordinated, timely and cost effective manner. It focuses on NSS Institutional Reforms, Human Resource Development, Development of Statistical Infrastructure, Data Development and Dissemination and Physical Infrastructure and Equipment. TSMP is a comprehensive framework advocating for statistics, assessing and meeting user needs, building capacity at all levels (with added focus on sectors), enhancing data quality, as well as mobilizing and leveraging resources (both national and international). Therefore, the broad objective of the strategic plan is to coordinate, harmonise and effectively ensure that statistics produced are timely available and easily accessible within the entire NSS. The key results expected from the implementation of TSMP includes: Revised Statistical Act, Human Capacity Development, Statistical Standards, Methodologies, and Concepts adopted/adapted and Enhancement of Physical infrastructure and working tools. TSMP_V3.indd 19 15/02/11 09:17 TANZANIA STATISTICAL PLAN20 Chapter One 1.6 Method Used in Developing the TSMP Tanzania Statistical Master Plan has been developed after extensive consultations with stakeholders, including the users and producers of statistics in order to assess the Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Challenges (SWOC) facing the National Statistical Systems in Tanzania. A Statistical Needs Assessment was conducted using standardized questionnaires administered to twenty two (22) MDAs in Tanzania Mainland and fifteen (15) MDAs in Tanzania Zanzibar 2. The MDAs were assessed in terms of their institutional organisation and capacity to deliver the required statistical products and services. The assessment checked the existence of Statistics/Management Information Systems (MIS) departments, manpower, equipment, software, routine products and surveys, institutional legal/policy, data sources, management and dissemination, and the status of data systems in the assessed MDAs. Further, the assessment aimed at establishing whether there was definite coordination between MDAs and NBS, including the MKUKUTA Poverty Monitoring systems. After the assessment, The National Consultants guided the MDAs through a process of developing Sector Strategic Plans for Statistics (SSPS) that would address shortfalls identified during the assessment and position the MDAs strategically for implementing TSMP 3. The TSMP aims at addressing weaknesses and challenges identified in the consultation process across the entire NSS. 1.7 Organisational Structure for Implementing TSMP The TSMP organisational structure will be comprised of four managerial levels mainstreamed within the NBS and OCGS organograms 4. The first level is the Statistical Advisory Board. The second level is made up of the Chief Executives of the NBS and OCGS while the third level is Technical Committee and lastly the fourth level is made up of the TSMP Coordination team which comprises four Sectoral Technical Working Groups (TWGS). Members of the Sectoral committee will be drawn from stakeholders in the NSS commensurate with their technical expertise. This arrangement will provide a forum for regular stakeholder’s discussions, interactions and technical assistance in implementing Sector Strategic Plans for Statistics. Since this program will be implemented across NSS, a comprehensive strategy for Communication Information and Public Awareness (CIPA) will be designed, institutionalised and operationalised during the implementation of TSMP. 2. Assessment Report of the Current T anzania Statistical System - June, 2007 3. The SSPS will be mainstreamed in respective MDAs 4. See Annex II: TSMP Coordination Structure and Coordination T eam TSMP_V3.indd 20 15/02/11 09:17 TANZANIA STATISTICAL PLAN 21 Chapter One 1.8 Contact Addresses The NBS Headquarters is based in Dar es Salaam, while OCGS headquarters is based in Zanzibar. Contact addresses for NBS and OCGS are: The Director General,
The Chief Government Statistician, National Bureau of Statistics,
Office of Chief Government Statistician, Kivukoni Front,
Mwanakwerekwe, P.O Box 796, Dar es Salaam.
P.O. Box 2321, Zanzibar. Telephone +255 22 2122722/3/4,
Telephone +255 24 2231869, Fax +255 22 2130852,
Fax +255 24 2231742, e-mail: [email protected]
e-mail: [email protected] website: www.nbs.go.tz
website: www.ocgs.go.tz 1.9 Layout of the Document This document sets out the Plan for the National Statistics System (NSS) for the period 2009/10 – 2013/14. It is divided into five chapters; Chapter One provides Background Information; Chapter Two gives the Situation Analysis while Chapter Three deals with the TSMP’s Vision and Objectives with their Strategies and Targets. Chapter Four provides Logical Framework of the strategy, and Chapter Five is a summary the proposed budget. TSMP_V3.indd 21 15/02/11 09:17
TANZANIA STATISTICAL PLAN 22 Chapter Two Situation analysis 2. Overview This section gives a snapshot of the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Challenges (SWOC) facing the National Statistical System in Tanzania as derived from the assessment of the current situation5. However, the assessment of NSS by MDAs indicated numerous challenges which are addressed by Sector Strategic Plans for Statistics (SSPS) developed for each MDA. These SSPS will be used to enhance the statistical information during the implementation of the programme. 2.1 Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Challenges 2.1.1 Strengths The current National Statistical System has the following strengths: i. Increased awareness of the importance of statistics in monitoring and evaluation of development programs and policy formulation; ii. Government support on strengthening the existing NSS; iii. Existing statistical acts including Statistical Acts of the Bank of Tanzania; Tanzania Revenue Authority, the National Bureau of Statistics, Office of Chief Government Statistician Zanzibar and others. iv. Existence of competent, experienced, motivated statisticians in some MDAs v. The existing institutional framework for MKUKUTA/MKUZA – Censuses and Surveys; Analysis and Communications Technical Working Groups vi. Availability of Concepts and Definitions Document for official statistics in Tanzania vii. Presence of well coordinated regional offices for the NBS to serve all MDAs statistical needs viii. Availability of databases for routine and administrative data in some MDAs ix. Availability of data/indicators warehousing such as Tanzania Socio-Economic Database (TSED) and Tanzania Integrated Statistical Database (TISD) as tools for data dissemination and storage x. Existence of statistical infrastructure for undertaking households and establishments based sample surveys. The National Master Sample (NMS) and Central Register of Establishments (CRE) which are accessible to various organizations/agencies for statistical and other purposes and xi. Good international cooperation and support from development partners. 5. Assessment Report of the current Tanzania Statistical System - June, 2007 TSMP_V3.indd 22 15/02/11 09:17
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Chapter Two
2.1.2 Weaknesses
The assessed weaknesses in the NSS focus on five main areas namely: Institutional Development;
Human Resource and Capacity Development; Statistical Infrastructure; Data Development and
Dissemination; as well as Physical Infrastructure and Equipment.
For each of these areas, the weaknesses are outlined below:
a.
Institutional Development and Legal Reforms
The Statistics Act 2002 does not explicitly refer to the National Statistical System (NSS) but gives NBS
the mandate to carry out and coordinate statistical activities in Tanzania Mainland. Consequently,
although the Act de facto puts NBS at the centre of the NSS in Tanzania Mainland, it does not
provide appropriate mechanisms to cover the entire NSS, for instance, by guiding coordination and
consultation arrangements between NBS and MDAs.
Box 2: Extracts from the Assessment Report of Current Tanzania Statistical System
• Out of 22 assessed MDAs, eight had well established statistical units, nine had rudimentary units and five had no
unit in place for Tanzania Mainland.
• 44 percent of Regional Secretariats had Statistical Units.
• Existence of various Acts relating to statistics with no clear institutional set-up for coordination.
• No clear mechanism for statistical advocacy
Furthermore, the current statistical legislation does not provide for the following:
Definition for NSS and Official statistics
Adequate powers to coordinate statistical activities in the country and to ensure uniform
standards of statistical data
Professional ethical coordination of members of the NSS who are not NBS staff
Clarification on who is responsible for the release of official statistics
Professional autonomy for NBS
In view of the above, there is a need to review the existing statistical legislation to incorporate
coordination of the NSS and introduce the whole system of autonomy of the National Statistical Office
which is very vital for statistical development in the country. Furthermore, a number of outcomes
in this area include institutionalisation of statistics units to some MDAs, strengthening of NSS by
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Chapter Two
reviewing the current NBS and OCGS organograms to reflect their roles in the National Statistical
System
b.
Human Resource and Capacity Development
(i) Human Resource Development
The NSS is under-staffed in terms of statistics professionals. An assessment made at MDAs showed
that staff was inadequate, in both quantity and quality, to undertake statistical activities. Out of twenty
two MDAs that were assessed, only eight had well established statistical units. For the NSS to be
effective, each MDA is expected to establish a unit of not less than three personnel comprising of two
statisticians and a statistical officer.
In this case, an adequate number of statistics professionals are needed to execute and coordinate the
envisaged increased number of statistical operations in MDAs within the National Statistical System.
(ii) Capacity Development
The current system lacks proper plan for capacity building of its staff. It is conducted on ad-hoc
manner depending on the availability of resources. As part of capacity building, staff needs to be
given opportunities for training and development. This includes; long-term training for professionals,
training in statistical analysis, report writing and dissemination of results, and training in soft skills such
as Information Communication Technology (ICT). The capacity building programmes will be based on
Training Needs Assessment to identify the skills gaps in the entire NSS. In this aspect, the NSS need to
have in place a Human Resource Development Plan which will address the skills gaps identified under
the Training Needs Assessment.
Box 3: Extracts from the Assessment Report of Current Tanzania Statistical System
• Out of 150 staff at NBS, two thirds are statisticians holding Diploma/Degree, 12 have Masters in Statistics/
Demography and 15 staff are proficient in Statistical Packages.
• Out of 128 staff at OCGS, eleven are Statisticians holding BA/BSc and five hold MBA/MSc.
c.
Development of Statistical Infrastructure
The assessment shows that different classifications and definitions are used by different MDAs,
and other data producers and this makes comparison of statistics across the NSS difficult. Also the
assessment shows that there are quite a number of uncoordinated Registers of Business Establishments
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