THE UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA
DATA QUALITY ASSESSMENT FOR CONSUMER PRICE INDEX 2023
TANZANIA MAINLAND
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Table of contents
Table of contents ........................................................................................................................... i Definition of terms ....................................................................................................................... ii Abbreviation ................................................................................................................................. v 1. Introduction .......................................................................................................................... 1 2. Objectives .............................................................................................................................. 2 3. Methodology ......................................................................................................................... 2 4. Scope ...................................................................................................................................... 2 5. Detailed Assessment Results .............................................................................................. 3 6. Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 31 7. Recommendations .............................................................................................................. 31 8. References ........................................................................................................................... 33
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Definition of terms Dimension highest level of data quality assessment according to IMF where five broad data quality dimensions are commonly Element second level of data quality assessment according to IMF where granular quality dimensions are considered. Indicator third level of data quality assessment where components of quality elements are identified. Focal issue provides more detail for each indicator that i tailored to the dataset in question Key point identifies quality features that may be considered in addressing the focal issues. The key points are meant to be suggestive, not exhaustive Relevance the extent to which the statistics satisfy the needs of the users Accuracy the closeness of estimates to the exact or true values that the statistics were intended to measure. Reliability the closeness of the initially estimated value(s) to the subsequent estimated value(s) if preliminary figures are disseminated. Timeliness the length of time between the end of a reference period (or date) and the dissemination of the statistics. Punctuality the time lag between the release date and the target date by which the data or statistics should have been delivered. Accessibility the ease and conditions with which statistical information can be obtained Clarity the availability of appropriate documentation relating to the statistics and the additional assistance that producers make available to users.
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Coherence
the ability to reliably combine statistics and data sets in different
ways and for various uses. Consistency is often used as a synonym
for coherence.
Comparability
the extent to which differences in statistics from different
geographical areas, non-geographical domains, or over time, can be
attributed to differences between the true values of the statistics.
Full
compliance
could be defined as meeting at least 80 per cent of the applicable key
points (only little room for improvement).
Partial
compliance
meeting between 30 and 80 per cent of the applicable key points
(some major improvements are needed)
No compliance
meeting at most 30 per cent of the applicable key points (urgent
action is necessary).
Not applicable
an item is not part of the practice in the methodology or process of
the statistical product which is assessed.
Prerequisites of
quality
Although not itself a dimension of quality, this group of “pointers to
quality” includes elements and indicators that have an overarching
role as prerequisites, or institutional preconditions, for quality of
statistics.
Assurances
of
integrity
This dimension relates to the adherence to the principle of objectivity
in the collection, compilation, and dissemination of statistics. The
dimension encompasses institutional arrangements that ensure
professionalism in statistical policies and practices, transparency,
and ethical standards.
Methodological
soundness
This dimension covers the idea that the methodological basis for the
production of statistics should be sound and that this can be
attained following internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or
good practices. This dimension is necessarily dataset-specific,
reflecting different methodologies for different datasets
Accuracy
and
reliability
This dimension covers the idea that statistical outputs sufficiently
portray the reality of the economy This dimension is also data
specific, reflecting the sources used and their processing.
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Serviceability This dimension relates to the need that statistics are disseminated with an appropriate periodicity in a timely fashion, are consistent internally and with other major datasets, and follow a regular revision policy. Accessibility This dimension relates to the need for data and metadata to presented in a clear and understandable manner on an easily available and impartial basis, that metadata are up-to-date and pertinent, and that a prompt and knowledgeable support service is available
.
.
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Abbreviation
CAPI
Computer Assisted Personal Interview
COICOP
Classification of Individual Consumption by Purpose
CPA
Clastification of Product by Activity
CPC
Central Product Classificatio
CPI
Consumer Price Index
DQA
Data Quality Assessment
DQAF
Data Quality Assessment Framework
EAC
East Africa Community
GDDS
General Data Dissemination System
HBS
Household Budget Survey
HCPI
Harmonized Consumer Price Index
ILO
International Labour Organisation
IMF
International Monitoring Fund
ITDM
Information, Technology and Data Management
MoF
Ministry of Finance
MoU
Memorandum of Understanding
MTEF
Medium-Term Expenditure Framework
NBS
National Bureau of Statistics
NSS
National Statistical System
OCGS
Office of Chief Government Statistics
PAPI
Paper Assisted Personal Interview
PEPMIS
Performance Management Information System
RSM
Regional Statistics Managers
SDDS
Data Dissemination Standard
SNA
System of National Account
TQAF
Tanzania Quality Assurance Framework
TSMP
Tanzania Statistical Master Plan
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- Introduction
The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has the responsibility of coordinating, producing,
and disseminating all statistics including official administrative statistics as national
survey and censuses. In addition, the NBS, as the mandated oversight institutions for
producing statistics in Tanzania Mainland acknowledge the importance of providing
relevant and quality statistics to users.
Through Tanzania Statistical Master Plan Phase Two (TSMP II) 2022/23-2026/27 a
development goal has been set to strengthen the National Statistical System (NSS) in
Tanzania to enable it to produce quality statistics for decision makers in an objective,
timely, and cost-effective manner. Production of high quality statistics depends on the
assessment of data quality. Without a systematic assessment of data quality, the Bureau
will risk to lose control of the various statistical processes such as data collection, editing
or weighting. Doing without data quality assessment would result in assuming that the
processes cannot be further improved and that problems will always be detected without
systematic analysis.
Given the varied quality of the official statistics and the increased demand for data use at
all levels, the NBS embarked on this data quality assessment (DQA) to characterize the
quality of routine data, and to identify factors associated with the quality and use of
routine data in Tanzania Mainland. Understanding data quality, processes of data
collection and the associated barriers to enhancing quality helps to formulate tailor-made
strategies to improve data quality and use.
This report provides detailed information on indicators of statistical practices in the areas
of the consumer price index (CPI) which was gathered from the assessment conducted
by the department of Research and Standards and publicly available documents. The
information was provided by the experts of the department of Labour and Price Statistics
of the National Bureau of Statistics. This assessment was conducted in lines of the generic
International Monitoring Fund (IMF) Data Quality Assessment Framework (DQAF) and
used to prepare the summary assessment of data quality elements based on a four-part
scale of compliance which is full compliance, partial compliance, no compliance and not
applicable.
The IMF Data Quality Assessment Framework (DQAF) identifies quality-related features of Governance statistical systems, statistical processes, and statistical products. It is rooted in the UN Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics and grew out of the Special Data Dissemination Standard (SDDS) and General Data Dissemination System (GDDS), the IMF’s initiatives on data dissemination.
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- Objectives The main purpose for conducting qualitative assessment for the CPI was to ensure that the NBS overseeing the production of these statistics are aware of the strengths, weaknesses (and risks), and limitations of their performance data as well as the extent to which the data can be trusted to influence management decisions and eventually, the identification of possible improvement actions.
- Methodology The Research and Standards Department in ensuring that data quality assessment for the CPI is undertaken successfully, the key procedures for conducting the assessment was followed including: issuing the roadmap for the assessment; undertaking orientation to the NBS Management and staff from the Labour and Price Statistics Department; conducting pre-assessment; and conducting the actual assessment.
- Scope The assessment was based on levels whereby the first level covers the prerequisites of quality and five dimensions of quality; assurances of integrity, methodological soundness, accuracy and reliability, serviceability, and accessibility. For each of these prerequisites and five dimensions, there are elements (two-digit level) and indicators (three-digit level.). At the next level, focal issues that are specific to the compilation of the CPI are addressed.
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- Detailed Assessment Results The following are detailed results of the assessment based on the four (4) levels of the assessment checklist which are dimension, element, indicator and focal issue with narration and links to relative supporting documents such as the Statistics Act Cap. 351, 2008 SNA, EAC guideline and CPI, Advance Release Calendar, NBS staff regulation, Scheme of Service, NBS strategic plan and Statistical Guidelines.
- Prerequisites of quality
0.1 Legal and institutional environment
0.1.1 The responsibility for collecting, processing, and disseminating the statistics is clearly specified
• The primary responsibility for collecting, processing, and disseminating the statistics is clearly established
The statistics Act Cap. 351 give mandate NBS to collect, compile, analyze and disseminate official statistics. The Statistician General delegate the powers to the heads of government institutions to collect and publish official statistics subject to guidelines issued by the Bureau. The statistics produced by agencies shall qualify to be official statistics if they meet criteria set by the bureau and approved by the Statistician General. The bureau can also make any agreement with any agency to jointly collect official statistics as the need arises. The Statistics Act can be downloaded from https://www.nbs.go.tz/uploads/documents/en-1701864877- STATISTICS_ACT_CAP_351_(R.E%202019).pdf Consumer Price Index is produced by NBS and there no any other agency involved in producing CPI statistics. There is no any challenges of duplication of effort and reporting burden. Conflicts or potential conflicts between the legal authority to produce the statistics and other laws or provisions (e.g., access to information law or bank secrecy laws) have been successfully resolved or reconciled with no major impairment to the data production as provided in section 46 of CAP 351 Oversight of the NBS is conducted in order to ensure that statistical work accords with the laws or other provisions governing such work. This is stipulated in the section 27 and 28 of the Statistics Act whereby NBS have
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the right to challenge statistical information from other source and every person have the right to challenge official statistics produced by NBS.
0.1.2 Data sharing and coordination among data-producing agencies are adequate
• Arrangements or procedures exist to facilitate data sharing and coordination between the agency (agencies) with the primary responsibility for compiling the statistics and other data producing agencies
Section 17 of the Statistics Act gives NBS the responsibility of coordinating the National Statistical System (NSS) with a view to having an integrated statistical system to ensure optimal utilization of available resources. The NSS includes data providers, producers and users of statistics, research and training institutions coordination of the NBS and mainly comprises of government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The Act provides a comprehensive approach to statistical cooperation in Tanzania, including access to data for the purposes of official statistics production. In access to public or other records, the collection of statistics relations to any matter may be obtained from any Government institution, agency, or user or producer of statistics. The Statistician General shall grant access to authorized officer or staff of the bureau for the purpose of getting information.
The Statistics Act empowers the Statistician General of NBS to share data at the request of any person or agency free of charge, provided the data shared is not about individual persons or entities.
The law does not enforce direct on the flow of source data. Mostly Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) are used in data sharing. NBS has MoU with the key data providers to facilitate data sharing and ensure access of data in a standardized manner.
0.1.3 Individual reporters’ data are to be kept confidential and used for statistical purposes only
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• The confidentiality of individual reporters’ data is guaranteed and that guarantee is widely known
Sections 31, 33 and 43 of the Statistics Act Cap 351 stipulate restrictions to disclosure of identifiable information and NBS cannot publish, or otherwise make available to any individual or organization, information that would enable the identification of any individual person or entity.
NBS is using consent form in collecting CPI information from the selected outlets and other statistical inquiries whereby respondents are informed of their rights and obligations with regard to the provision of information, and they are informed that the information they provide will be used for the purpose of producing price statistics.
• Procedures are in place to prevent disclosure of individual reporters’ data
Any person other than staff of the Bureau who is employed in the execution of any duty relating to statistical production under statistics Act are obliged to sign an oath of secrecy for the confidentiality of the statistics collected as stipulated in section 14. NBS Penalties for disclosure of information are also insisted in the Statistics Act Cap 351 under section 43.
The Bureau also takes all necessary steps to ensure the security and confidentiality of the official statistics are kept in accordance with the provision of the Act.
Documentation for statistical products is always done in a secure manner. Staff responsible for production of CPI review all data prepared for dissemination for possible indirect disclosure of individual person or entity data and design tables and outputs in a way that prevents disclosure.
Information collected are stored in the NBS server and staff has password to prevent unauthorized access to individual data
Information is only disseminated in an aggregated manner through Statistical releases and/or on the NBS website.