The National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) is today launching the country’s fourth Integrated Household Living Conditions Survey 2013/2014. The survey, according to Dominique Habimana, the in charge of research publication and dissemination at NISR, largely provides an account of estimates of the level and pattern of poverty and living conditions in the country during the period 2013/2014. “The survey examines poverty trends in comparison to earlier surveys conducted, but also tracks the progress of the country’s second Economic Development and Poverty Reduction strategy (EDPRS2),” Habimana told The New Times, yesterday. The survey is a reflection on poverty situation and the country’s economic performance, especially in key sectors such as education, environment, agriculture, and manufacturing. It also helps the Government and policy makers to make informed decisions on where to focus and accelerate economic development, Habimana said. The last survey was conducted between 2011 and 2012 and indicated an impressive economic record in how the country was translating its economic growth into poverty reduction over the years. The Government is seeking to reduce poverty levels to below 30% and absolute poverty to at least below 10%, according to the EDPRS2 blue print. Equally, the GDP per capita is expected to reach $1,240. This is expected to propel the country into a middle income economy by 2020. The country’s economy has been growing at an annual average rate of 8 per cent in the past decade. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
