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5.1.1 Statistics are presented in a way that facilitates proper interpretation and meaningful comparisons (layout and clarity of text, tables, and charts)
• The presentation of the statistics data is commensurate with users’ need
CPI is published on a monthly basis with tables and charts explaining the
price trend over time. CPI data is disseminated at division and special
indices level with indices and inflation rates to suit applications of a wider
group of CPI users. Detailed analysis of current price trend is included in
the monthly CPI releases and estimates are disseminated with time series
to enable assessment of price trend over time.
However, the CPI is not adjusted following the seasonality nature of
items. Tanzania experiences weakly seasonality, and prices are being use
as priced regardless of seasonality nature.
5.1.2 Dissemination media and format are adequate
• Statistics are disseminated in formats to suit users’ needs.
NBS disseminates CPI data in an excel based format, with detailed level
of CPI including All item level, divisions and special groups indices and
inflation rates, reasons leading to price changes are also detailed in the
CPI release making it easier for re-dissemination, especially for non-
statistician, such as the Media and the general public as whole. The CPI
data is being disseminated in electronic form in NBS website to allow for
easier access to a wider range of CPI users.
(https://www.nbs.go.tz/statistics/labour-statistics)
5.1.3 Statistics are released on a preannounced schedule
• Statistics are released on the preannounced schedule.
NBS releases CPI following the release calendar that provides the date for
CPI release in advance prior the release date for the whole year. The
bureau provides prior notice when there is a delay of CPI release contrary
to pre-announced date. The release calendar is available on the NBS
Website.
https://www.nbs.go.tz/statistics/topic/release-calendar
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5.1.4 Statistics are made available to all users at the same time
• The statistics are made available to all users at the same time
By issuing the press release, the data are released simultaneously to all interested parties, for Tanzania, the agreed date is 8th of each subsequent month at 1:00 pm. All users obtain CPI statistics after being released by NBS. The public is normally informed that the released statistics are available at the NBS website.
5.1.5
Statistics not routinely disseminated are made available upon request
• Statistics not routinely disseminated are made available to users
upon request
Users can obtain additional available data and customized tabulations
free of charge upon a formal request to the Statistician General or visiting
NBS offices.
5.2 Metadata accessibility
5.2.1 Documentation on concepts, scope, classifications, basis of recording, data sources, and statistical techniques is available, and differences from internationally accepted standards, guidelines, or good practices are annotated
• The metadata give adequate information about the meaning of the data and about the methodology used to collect and process them
Monthly CPI releases provides a summarized information of the concepts and methods used to compile CPI, while the detailed concepts and definitions, including methodology applied are available in the rebasing report, CPI manual and CPI technical notes.
Information of survey data sources is documented and maintained at the regional level to allow survey monitoring, including replacement of survey sources if need arise. CPI uses both scientific (for some items) and purposive sampling which well documented in the rebasing report. Information on response rate is not analyzed and planned to be implemented in future.
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The SDDS/GDDS metadata, SDDS summary methodologies, and other related description are reviewed and updated during rebasing. The 2008 SNA requirements are followed.
5.2.2 Levels of detail are adapted to the needs of the intended audience
• Different levels of metadata detail are made available to meet users’ requirements
Information on statistics produced are made available and published
during rebasing and when updates are done. Information on
methodology and statistical techniques used in computing CPI are
adequately documented during rebasing and readily available on NBS
website.
5.3 Assistance to users
5.3.1 Contact points are publicized
• Adequate assistance is given to users of statistics
Contacts for accessing statistical publications are readily available through various channels, including NBS head office, regional offices, libraries, and NBS websites. Users can access the information they need through the NBS websites, and assistance is provided through face-to-face interactions, phone calls, and emails. User satisfaction is monitored through surveys, and there has been a positive response to all methods of assistance.
5.3.2 Publications, documents, and other services, including information on any charges, are widely available
• Publications and other services are available to users of statistics
Publications and documents are available freely in soft and hard copies through NBS website, libraries and regional offices. On the other hand, users can access additional CPI information freely upon request.
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Conclusion In general, the assessment results reveal that the business processes for production of CPI
complied to all dimensions as follows: On Prerequisites of quality, the NBS has broadly effective legal frameworks (the Statistics Act, CAP 351) to support the compilation and dissemination of CPI statistics. On Assurances of integrity of NBS, the Statistics Act, CAP 351 clearly assure the professional independence of the Bureau. Recruitment and promotion of staff are mostly based on competence and expertise in specific subject areas. Staff are given every opportunity to take part in training courses and seminars. On Methodological soundness, the general framework for compiling the CPI is the International Labour Organisation (ILO) CPI compilation manual and COICOP is used in the classification. On Serviceability, the CPI is made available to the public on the 10th of each month for the preceding month whose information is being disseminated. On Accessibility of data, CPI are published in a clear manner with charts and tables that make the data easily understood by users -
Recommendations S/No Dimension Recommendation
Prerequisites of Quality • Budget allocated for production of CPI should be prioritized, sufficient and ringfenced by the government. • Continue providing more trainings on CPI and related field to staff so as to upgrade their skills and knowledge which will enable them to improve production of quality statistics. 1. Assurances of integrity • Continue providing awareness on ethical standards to for the betterment and protection of statistics professionalism. • Induction course for the new recruited staff should be emphasized and the copies of Staff Regulation and Codes of Ethics and
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Conduct documents should be provided to
the staff.
2.
Methodological
Soundness
• Prepare documentation for each important
activity during the production of CPI.
3.
Accuracy and Reliability
• Periodic studies and analyses of updates
should be carried out and used internally to
inform statistical processes and the findings
from such studies of other sources of
error/bias should be used to define the
optimal revision cycle that is largely driven
by the availability of major data sources,
implement change in CPI methods.
• The use of the CAPI during production of
CPI should be given priority.
• Regular training for the collection of price
data should be provided to enumerators for
the purpose of increasing the quality of
data.
4.
Serviceability
• Efforts should be made to rebase the CPI to
shorter intervals. This will increase the
proper representation of price trends in this
fast-changing world.
5.
Accessibility
• Finalize updating the metadata to make
readily accessible
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- References
- IMF Data Quality Assurance Framework
- The Statistics Act, CAP 351 (R.E 2019)
- NBS Strategic Plan 2021/22-2025/26
- Tanzania Statistical Master Plan 2022/23 – 2026/27 (TSMP II)
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