Tanzania is still unable to meet international statistics standards although it is reported to compete well among other African countries, with its statistical reports termed as accurate and reliable.
National Bureau of Statistics (NBS)
As it joins other member states in the continent to celebrate the Africa Statistics Day tomorrow, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) has boasted to have recorded a number of achievements so far.
But, despite recorded milestones, the Bureau still faces some challenges including inadequate resources to enable it undertake its core functions as per recommended international set standards.
Addressing a press conference, the NBS Acting Director of Statistical Operations Ms Aldegunda Komba said the Bureau despite being rated high in delivering reliable statistics among other African states; can only manage to collect reliable and timely data by 80 to 90 per cent today.
“We can manage to get the respondents who provide us reliable data by at least 80 per cent as we struggle to extend our coverage to the remotest areas possible, particularly in the rural areas,” she said.
According to her, despite the ongoing efforts to make NBS become full autonomous, it is still facing financial difficulties to be able to conduct and release authentic and quality data according to world standards.
She said while the government has been providing resources for statutory statistical operations like the populations and housing census which is conducted every ten years, NBS still finds it difficult to raise funds for routine surveys mentioning the Demographic Health Survey (DHS) as an example.
She said DHS is one of the areas NBS need to accumulate enough resources for it to reach as remotest areas as possible in search of more reliable data.
Tanzania, therefore, marks the day and joins the rest of the African continent to advocate for the collection and dissemination of quality statistics responding to this year’s theme, “Quality Statistics for African Development”.
The theme was designed as a wake up call for the continent to allocate enough resources and invest for collection of reliable and quality statistics if they are to realize true economic and social developments, she said.
Among other delegates, the day will be attended by various government leaders and is expected to be graced by the Minister for Finance and Economy, Dr William Mgimwa.
By PIUS RUGONZIBWA, Tanzania Daily News
