THE CHANGING-ROLE OF GOVERNMENT STATISTICAL AGENCIES

The article argues that the basic premise that quantitative data are important to support-decision-taking and policy analysis is still valid; official statistics are a public good. However, a radical view is required in the activities and operations of statistical agencies in the small, developing countries of Africa. There is a need to develop methodologies that are suited to African conditions and not to continue to import technology from outside, even when it is known to be effective. More use is required of innovative methods developed locally, and especially of rapid participatory appraisal methods. A better understanding is required of the ways in which analysis and decision making is done in both the public and private sectors. Both the strengths and weaknesses of expressing information quantitatively need to be recognized. Finally, there needs to be a closer partnership between the public and private sector, not only in data collection, but also to. support analysis and interpretation.