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Statistics Acts Cap 351 Section 34,35 and 43 (1) (b)
0.1.4 Statistical reporting is ensured through legal mandate and/or measures to encourage response
• A law or other formal provision provides for the reporting of information needed to compile the statistics
The Statistics Act Cap 351 and regulation specifies how data and information should be collected to ensure adherence to statistical reporting. National and international frameworks to follow during data collection has been explained in the NBS strategic plan.
• Other mechanisms are in place to provide for adequate reporting of data for compiling the statistics
During the data collection design, the burden placed on respondents is considered and measures are taken to reduce this burden. NBS policies and practices emphasize the requirement for the authorized person (interviewer) to clearly explain the purposes of the survey/census to the respondent during the introduction. In this explanation, respondents are asked if they are willing to participate and be informed on the duration of the interview.
Data collection forms or questionnaire indicates contact persons who can provide assistance in responding, as well as information on how to complete the questionnaire and explanations for answering the questions.
Also, every questionnaire contains legally required information on the purpose, type, and scope of the survey, obligation to provide information, reporting unit, confidentiality, and other aspects of the survey. In particular, a reference to the Statistics Act is given in surveys and statistical inquiries. (section 31)
NBS provides information on the results of the survey to the respondents upon request and in conformity with established statistical confidentiality guidelines.
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0.2 Resources
0.2.1 Staff, facilities, computing resources, and financing are commensurate with statistical programs
• Staff resources for compiling the statistics are adequate to perform required tasks
CPI estimates are compiled in the Labour and Price Statistics department comprising a total of eight staff (four (5) with master’s degree, four (3) bachelor degree in statistics and economics. CPI staff also have the requisite training from reputable institutions such as IMF, EAC, World Bank etc. On job training is also provided to new staff of the department. They all have the required and sufficient computing skills.
Salary levels are depending on the Government scheme of service and are adequate for the nature of the work and competitive with other public entities and private sector in the country. Staff are provided with incentives to motivate them.
For the purposes of monitoring and evaluation, staff are appraised weekly, monthly, semi-annually and annually through the Public Employee Performance Management Information System (PEPMIS) based on prior agreed targets that are derived from the work plan. All staff are recruited on the basis of professional qualifications, and in an open competition.
• Computing resources for compiling the statistics are adequate to perform required tasks
Currently, data collection is conducted by using paper questionnaire and entered in the excel programme for compilation and processing but the department is planning to use tablet (CAPI) to collect data from the selected outlets. The pilot test for CAPI was conducted in March 2024 and the program used is Harmonized Consumer Price Index (HCPI).
All staff in the Labour and Price Statistics department have sufficient computing resources that are available for compiling and disseminating CPI according to the release calendar. Management of database and
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back-up procedures are utilized by Information, Technology and Data Management (ITDM) Department to ensure security of data.
The department uses CPI compiler in compiling and analysing CPI statistics and are periodically updated, and well adapted to perform existing and emerging tasks.
• Physical facilities and other resources are adequate to perform required tasks
NBS headquarter office building located in Dodoma and Regional Offices provide adequate working facilities such as lighting, heat, and cooling and office furniture and equipment to perform the tasks. The department of Labor and Price has conducive environment in terms of offices, tables and other furniture that facilitate production of CPI.
• Other resources are adequate to perform required tasks
The transport allowances are provided to data collectors in each Region. Regional statistics Managers (RSM) at regional offices are equipped with all facilities required to collect the information for CPI such as weighing scales, measuring tapes etc. Airtime is provided to RSM to facilitate communication with the respondents from the outlets selected.
• Funding for compiling the statistics is adequate to perform required tasks
Funds for the CPI are provided by the Government through Medium- Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) although budget is usually tight, work plans are developed in consideration of the resource availability and cost benefit analysis to maximize on outputs and outcomes. CPI budget is reviewed every year and some elements are increased to accommodate all emerging issues required in the production of statistics.
0.2.2 Measures to ensure efficient use of resources are implemented
• Management ensures that resources are used efficiently
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Management ensures activities for production of CPI are carried out and reviewed on the basis of the annual performance plan and efficient use of resources is monitored and evaluated on a quarterly basis by the department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation. The staff performances are monitored by Department of Administration and Human Resources at NBS level and the President's Office, Public Service Management and Good Governance at Government level, whereby staff are given merits for promotion.
• Costing and budgeting practices are in place and provide sufficient information to management to make appropriate decisions
Management ensures resources for carrying out Labour and Price activities are enough and used efficiently. Labour and Price activities are included in the NBS Strategic Plans and annual budget planning. Funds are allocated by the Ministry of Finance (MoF) for ongoing CPI activities and allocation within NBS is based on the priorities and planned activities.
Activities are carried out and reviewed on the basis of the annual performance plan and efficient use of resources is monitored and evaluated on a quarterly basis by the department of Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation.
NBS activities are guided by the Strategic Plan. An annual schedule of activities is then drawn from the NBS strategic plan. The annual work plan includes itemized budget which guide the timing of the activities as well as optimization of resources.
0.3 Relevance
0.3.1 The relevance and practical utility of existing statistics in meeting users’ needs are monitored
• Specific actions are taken to ensure that current statistics meet needs of data users
Labour and Price Statistics department use CPI manual and other agreed guidelines to produce CPI to ensure statistics adhere to national and
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international standards. Labour and Price Statistics department conduct ad-hoc meetings with users of CPI products to chat on their needs. Labour and Price Statistics department monitors data needs from users to inform its plans for further developments of the CPI.
Views of users of official statistics are also collected through emails, letters, telephone calls and office visits. Ad-hoc and periodic user satisfaction surveys are also conducted.
Release calendar informs stakeholders in advance and NBS organizes CPI release to the press every month in order to disseminate CPI statistics through radios, televisions and newspapers.
CPI Stakeholders are informed on particular features of current data through NBS website, publications, workshops and meetings.
• Mechanisms are in place to identify new and emerging data requirements
A structured and periodic process of consultation (e.g., users’ advisory committee or working groups) takes place with policy departments/ministries and other principal data users, which include academia, the press, and/or other private sector representatives to review the usefulness of existing statistics and to identify emerging data requirements.
Staff of the department participate regularly in statistical meetings and seminars organized by international and regional organizations and by professional organizations such as IMF and EAC.
Staff undertake studies to help identify new and emerging data requirements on CPI through reviews.
0.4 Other quality management
0.4.1 Processes are in place to focus on quality
• There is recognition throughout the organization that quality builds trust and thus is a cornerstone of statistical work
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NBS management emphasizes quality of statistics produced by the department by following the recommended and agreed international standards. In NBS organization structure, there is a Directorate and Department which is responsible for quality. To ensure the quality of statistics produced by NBS, the standard menu is provided in the website (www.nbs.go.tz). Several quality guidelines for production of quality statistics are posted in this menu. There is a handbook of quality guidelines for production of statistics, Statistical Methods and Standard guidelines, Concept and definitions for official statistics. https://www.nbs.go.tz/publications/statistical-guidelines
NBS and OCGS are in the process of preparing the Tanzania Quality Assurance Framework (TQAF) for Official Statistics and Manual for strengthening and Integrating Administrative data in the Tanzania National Statistical System. Both documents are prepared with objective of ensuring quality of official statistics.
The training programs that emphasize the importance of quality give staff who is producing CPI an understanding on how quality may be achieved are conducted at least once per year.
0.4.2 Processes are in place to monitor quality during the planning and implementation of the statistical program
• Measures are in place for a systematic monitoring and review of quality
Production of quality statistics to meet the demands of stakeholders in a timely manner is insisted in the NBS strategic plan and Tanzania Statistical Master Plan (I and II). Monitoring and Evaluation of NBS activities is conducted on quarterly basis.
Labor and Price department is using EAC guidelines and CPI compilation manual on the quality and strategies for improving data production of CPI statistics and periodic reviews are undertaken to identify steps necessary to maintain quality requirements and this can be reflected in the rebasing report
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- Assurance of Integrity
1.1 Institutional Integrity
1.1.1 Statistics are produced on an impartial basis • The terms or conditions under which the statistics are produced are in accordance with professional independence
The Statistics Act Cap 351 Section 9(1) gives the power to the President to appoint a Statistician-General on the recommendation of Minister of Finance. Section 5 of the Act stated that the Bureau shall excise professional independence in collection, processing, analyzing and dissemination of official statistics so as to enhance and protect the integrity and impartiality.
• Professionalism is actively promoted and supported within the organization
Staff are recruited and promoted based on PEPMIS and scheme
of services.
The organization provides comprehensive training to the staff to
increase their skills and knowledge based on their professions as
stated in Training need assessment, TSMP II Training Program
and NBS training programs.
The concept notes that contains the reasons forwarded for conducting any survey is developed, reviewed and approved. These notes are updated to maintain the professionalism of the Bureau.
1.1.2 Choice of data sources and statistical techniques as well as decisions about dissemination are informed solely by statistical considerations • The choices of data sources and statistical techniques are informed solely by statistical considerations
Development of CPI basket for goods and services is based on the importance of the items in terms of expenditure from Household
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Budget Survey. The systematic and purposive sampling technique is used in selection of outlets.
• Decisions about dissemination are informed solely by statistical considerations NBS use release calendar to inform the public about the dissemination of CPI. CPIs are compiled and published on a monthly basis.
1.1.3 The appropriate statistical entity is entitled to comment on erroneous interpretation and misuse of statistics.
• The data-producing agency comments when its statistics are misinterpreted or misused
NBS has the rights to comment on erroneous interpretation and misuse of statistics where by usually use medias and NBS website is used to give out clarification when there is misinterpretation or misuse of statistics.
Additionally, Consumer Price Indices released by NBS are accompanied by key definitions and concepts for the understanding of the users. These help to reduce misinterpretation or misuse of the data. Awareness on how to report and interpret CPI data to media personnel and other users is conducted.
1.2 Transparency
1.2.1 The terms and conditions under which statistics are collected, processed, and disseminated are available to the public
• Information is available to the public about the terms and conditions under which the statistical series are compiled and disseminated, including the obligation to compile and disseminate the statistics, the confidentiality of individual reporters’ data, and other key features.