New Era has partnered with the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) for the sole purpose of making the public understand the functions of the NSA and the importance of the country’ statistics information. In a way the column aspires to bring the NSA closer to the people. This is the first column in a series of bi-monthly columns that will appear on Mondays.
By Iipumbu Sakaria
THE Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) was established by the promulgation of an Act of Parliament, Statistics Act No. 9 of 2011 and became operational in September 2011. It is governed by six board members. The NSA has taken over the functions of the Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) that was part of the National Planning Commission. While the previous custodian of statistics in Namibia, the Central Bureau of Statistics, laid a sound foundation of statistics in the country, the creation of an independent statistics agency is expected to take statistics in Namibia to newer heights.
Yes indeed, the NSA has taken remarkable development since its inception as the central statistical authority and repository for all statistics produced in Namibia. It collects and disseminates statistics and spatial data, educates the public on the use of statistics, and designates statistics as official statistics.
Within a short period of time, the NSA has established itself as a reputable institution in the country that has proved its ability to provide the statistical information needed for evidence-based policy decisions. The statistics provide clear insights needed to assist policy makers in addressing the main challenges our young nation is facing, namely reduction of poverty and increase in income equality, employment creation as well as economic diversification.
Most common to the majority of Namibians is the National Census which provides estimates of the population in the country.
However, the NSA does not only count the population of the country but also provides economic, social and other demographic statistics, amongst others. Periodic economic statistics include quarterly estimates of economic growth, and monthly inflation and trade statistics. Labour statistics and information on household income and expenditure patterns also form part of the economic statistics.
Social and demographic information include the population size, density, the marital status of the population, citizenship and the main languages spoken at home. It also includes data on the average size of households, literacy rate, status of education, housing conditions and the main source of household incomes. In addition, surveys conducted by the NSA also provide an analysis of the expenditure patterns of the nation. For example, the last Namibia Household Income and Expenditure Survey indicated that most consumption is spent on food and beverages which is closely followed by housing.
As part of the ongoing mandate to produce and disseminate relevant, quality and timely data the Namibia Statistics Agency is currently busy with the Agricultural Census. The communal fieldwork started on February 17 and will last until June 30. The commercial sector survey will start in July 2014 and will be concluded by December 2014.
The agricultural census would, in essence, ‘count’ the agricultural infrastructure of the country, including measurement of the farm area, counting of livestock and as well as estimate the yield produced. Once collected, Namibia will have a clearer understanding of its agricultural potential, considering the fact that the last agricultural census was conducted 20 years ago. As the NSA we request you to cooperate with out enumerators that will be visiting your areas.
• Iipumbu Sakaria is the Deputy Director for Strategic Communications at the NSA.