ESS Data from a Users Perspective
- 1. ESS Data from a User’s Perspective Alemayehu Seyoum Taffesse Panel on ‘Statistical Data for Policy Decision Making in Ethiopia’, African Statistics Day Workshop organized by the Ethiopian Statistics Service (ESS) November 17, 2022 Capital Hotel, Addis Ababa
- 2. Outline ESS Data – What is collected; ESS Data – Achievements; ESS Data – Some suggestions;
- 3. CSA Data – What is collected? Annual Agricultural Sample Survey – detailed production data (30 years old); Large and Medium Manufacturing Enterprises Survey – detailed operations data (until recently a census); Prices; Administrative data – Education, health, trade, financial sector, government finances (complied from different sources for the Statistical Abstract Ethiopia); Periodic – some are regular and others not (irregular) Population and Housing Census – every ten years; Household Income, Consumption, and Expenditure Survey - every five years; Welfare Monitoring Survey; Demographic and Health Survey (every five years); Labour force survey, Urban Unemployment; Small scale industries surveys, Handicrafts and cottage industries survey; Informal sector; Distributive services, Transport and communications Requested/Project specific Example – PSNP, AGP, FTF
- 4. CSA Data – Achievements Coverage Considerable; Regular; Timeliness Significantly improved, particularly for annual surveys and Statistical Abstract – some relapse recently; Quality Improved, need to continue to improve Accessibility Much better in recent years; Many reports online (when the webpage is accessible)
- 5. CSA Data – Some suggestions Background A local economy getting bigger and more complex – signs of transformation o more businesses with growing size and diversity, new and more technologically advanced sectors emerging. o A growing population urbanizing rapidly, living longer, and getting more educated, more connected with the rest of the world – the tastes and aspirations of citizens are changing both as consumers, producers/workers, and investors. the government is drawing and implementing comprehensive reforms and development plans to accelerate structural transformation with the corresponding demand for more fine-tuned policy decisions; rising uncertainty in the global environment Implication – knowledge becomes a critical input in decision making o high quality data indispensable – dynamic ESS is central; o robust analysis
- 6. CSA Data – Some Suggestions (aware of NSDS, appreciate the capacity constraints) Structural Promote ESS as a strategic organization (an organization of strategic importance for the functioning and development of the country) – more resources, differential staff incentives, greater autonomy (consider a return to accountable to Parliament status); Promote the value of statistics in the country and among citizens (media, open day) Methodological - Broad Capacity and data quality assessment mechanisms o Robust consistency checks, o Conduct in-depth validation surveys and studies in collaboration with local and international partners; o Regular, transparent, and public reviews of capacity and methodology; Form and actively engage targeted advisory panels – some attempt made; Enhance the analytical responsibility and capacity of ESS beyond survey reports – specifically initiate and build in-house research;
- 7. CSA Data – Some Suggestions Methodological - Specific Collect panel data (rotating panel); Expand systematic and regular coverage of shocks (drought, floods, … ) in collaboration with MoA, NMA, … Appropriately use modelling (e.g., small area estimation); Access Charge for access; Improve online services Support - in-country partnerships are critical for sustainability and progress Work more closely with research organisations (EIAR, ATI, …) and with the professional associations (Statistics, Economics, ...) – improving, and private sector operators (Chambers of commerce,…)
- 8. 8 Thank You