Statistics vital for planning – Finance Minister

According to officials, statistical figures guide policymakers to take appropriate and preventive measures to avoid any likely conflict that may occur James Musoni the Finance and Economic Planning Minister, has called upon institutions from regional countries to use statistics while carrying out result oriented planning. “No evidence-based decision and result-oriented planning can be made without knowledge, which is derived from statistics,” said Musoni . Musoni said this while opening a workshop, ‘The role of statistics in post conflict and fragile countries; which took place at Top Tower Hotel from 22nd to the, 24th may. The workshop was organized by National Institute of Statistics and Institute of Policy analysis and Research (IPAR). Ten countries were represented including Sudan, Afghanistan, Cambodia, Egypt, Somalia, South Africa, Uganda and Senegal. He said that planning for social and economic development cannot be reliable if not based on timely and accurate statistical information especially in post-conflict or crises period. “Our limited resources can not be based on trial and error policies, because the loss can be difficult to be bear because of our limited financial and human resources,” he emphasized. Some of the reasons mentioned as to why statistics are crucial include; monitoring and evaluation, subsequent development and review of policies, to mitigate and prevent the breakout of crisis and conflict. According to officials, statistical figures guide policymakers to take appropriate and preventive measures to avoid any likely conflict that may occur. It is said that in most fragile countries, conflict may arise due to lack of equality between different population groups, defined on the basis such as ethnicity or geographical location and resource endowment. Seng Soeun Deputy Director General of National Institute of Statistics in Cambodia said that his country shares a lot in common with Rwanda and he is ready to share the experience. Soeun said that 30 years ago his country was in conflict where they didn’t have any information on the extent of damages and people lost. After the workshop, participants were expected to learn from statistical challenges in post-conflict countries. The National Institute of Statistics Rwanda, was created in 2005 and is responsible for coordinating national effort to collect and archive reliable data, to analyze, document and disseminate data within an integrated and sustainable framework. NISR also develops and sustains a culture of excellence in statistical production and management of national development. Ends

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Statistics vital for planning – Finance Minister