Nepal in Data launches 'A Study into Development Data in Nepal'

Kathmandu, September 3, 2018:

A Study Into Development Data In Nepal aims to aid policy makers, development agencies, civil society organizations and others working on development in making informed investments in data and statistics in Nepal. The study aims to examine the strengths, weaknesses and delivery of Nepal’s National Statistical System , and to assess whether the available data sources fulfil the demands for monitoring the SDGs.The study aims to accomplish two objectives. First, it attempts to examine the organization and delivery of Nepal’s NSS. Secondly, it maps out Nepal’s data sources vis-à-vis the SDG indicators, while assessing the quality of those sources and identifying gaps in the current data inventory. The study is undertaken with the support of the Data for Development in Nepal Program implemented by The Asia Foundation in partnership with Development Initiatives (DI), which is funded by the Department of International Development of the UK Government.

The methodology for this study has been based on the Data Development Assessment (DDA) methodology designed by (DI). The original methodology was reviewed, modified and adapted to the Nepalese context. The DDA inventory involves the audit, classification, analysis and presentation of existing sources of development data in the form of a living database.The methodology is used to assess the quality of data available for monitoring development indicators and informing development decisions and to identify gaps and overlaps in the development data infrastructure. The earlier versions of this methodology were used in Uganda and Kenya before being adapted for Nepal. In addition, the study has used a combination of secondary data sources and interviews with informants to examine the strengths, weaknesses and delivery of Nepal’s statistical systems, and to assess whether the available data sources fulfil the demands of existing national and international policy frameworks focusing on the SDGs. Using this methodology this study examines the adequacy
and effectiveness of Nepal’s statistical system and also assesses the adequacy of current data sources to monitor the indicator framework provided by the SDGs.