PRODUCERS-USERS DIALOGUE: THE CASE OF CAMEROON Guy She Etoundi Deputy General Manager Bamako, June 2014 REPUBLIQUE DU CAMEROUN Paix – Travail – Patrie REPUBLIC OF CAMEROON Peace – Work – Fatherland INSTITUT NATIONAL DE LA STATISTIQUE NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF STATISTICS

OUTLINE I.CAMEROON DATA PRODUCERS II.CAMEROON DATA USERS III.CAMEROON DIALOGUE TOOLS IV.INSTITUTIONAL DIALOGUE MEASURES V.PRODUCERS-USERS DIALOGUE AND THE SNIS VI.DISTRIBUTION OF STATISTICS VII.ACCESS TO DATA VIII.CONCLUSION AND PERSPECTIVES

DATA PRODUCERS IN CAMEROON (1/2) The NSDS distinguishes three main groups of statistics producers: Group 1: the two large producers are o the National Statistical Institute (NSI); o the Central Census and Population Study Office (BUCREP).

DATA PRODUCERS IN CAMEROON (2/2) Groupe 2: the statistical structures of sectorial administrations which themselves are classified according to their development level Group 3: the other producers following the example of Group 3: the other producers following the example of o the Bank of Central African States (BEAC).

CAMEROON DATA USERS Government (President, Prime Minister, Sectorial Ministers, etc.) Government (President, Prime Minister, Sectorial Ministers, etc.) Universities (teachers, students, other researchers) Universities (teachers, students, other researchers) Media Media International organisations International organisations NGO NGO General pubic General pubic

CAMEROON DIALOGUE TOOLS  Seminars/workshops for producing and strengthening capabilities;  Technical work groups;  Evaluation questionnaires for strengthening capabilities needs;  Celebration of special events such as: o African Statistics Day (JAF); o International Women’s Day; o World Population Day.

MAIN SPOKEPERSONS For the Government: The heads of structures in charge of statistical questions in various sectorial administrations. For non-governmental users: o University teachers; o Students; o Journalists interested in statistical questions; o Statistical departments in international organisations;

INSTITUTIONAL MEASURES OF THE DIALOGUE The National Statistical Council (NSC): formal structure for coordinating statistical activity in Cameroon The NSC brings together national producers and the main users of the system’s products and each year holds at least one work session.

PRODUCERS-USERS DIALOGUE AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE SNIS It was necessary for the preparation, implementation and monitoring/evaluation of the National Strategy for Development of Statistics ( NSDS). All sectorial administrations are included in the design and preparation underway of the NSDS. Exchanges have concerned especially: The SNIS state of condition reportsThe SNIS state of condition reports The country's national development policyThe country's national development policy Administrations’ real needs for statistical informationAdministrations’ real needs for statistical information The system's statistical prioritiesThe system's statistical priorities

DISTRIBUTION OF STATISTICS (1/3) The statistics distributed come from  Censuses and surveys;  Administrative sources. Distribution format: preset statistical tables, derived indicators, raw data depending on needs expressed. Target Public: directly concerned administrations, political decision- makers, general public. Distribution means used: publications, interviews after seminars/workshops.

DISTRIBUTION OF STATISTICS (2/3) Distribution channels used: 1.SNI website ( 2.Cameroon statistical web portal ( launched since 26/02/2014 and which allows the user to search data, view thematic maps, consult dashboards of certain indicators, analyse data, download data and access specific SNIS publications; 3. Television, radio, written press, exhibitions during certain statistical meetings.

DISTRIBUTION OF STATISTICS (3/3) Combined data distribution methods:  distribution of raw anonymous microdata under certain conditions - for example the validity of the statistics or the use to be made of it;  distribution of results and statistical publications through distribution of physical documents but mainly through the ability to download from the website;  NSI direct response to short-term requests for data.

MICRODATA ACCESS (1/2) The NSI offers several databases accessible from its website: The Integrated Data Management System (IDMS) which allows online processing, direct access to preset indicators, calculation of one's own indicators from the microdata survey files. Indicators may be disaggregated according to desired criteria and products on thematic maps. The National Data Archives (ANADOC) which allows access to data and metadata from surveys, studies and censuses held by the NSI.

MICRODATA ACCESS (2/2) The Cameroon Data Portal which allows access to Cameroon statistical data. The Cameroon Socioeconomic Data Base (CamSED) which gives access to socioeconomic indicators for monitoring of programmes, especially the MDG and the Strategy Document for Growth and Employment (DSCE). For access to data not accessible on the NSI website, users wanting such data may contact the Institute which will examine their need for data and supply it to them in strict compliance with the law, if the approach to follow has been complied with.

CONCLUSION AND PERSPECTIVES The dialogue between data producers and users in Cameroon is real. However, progress remains in strengthening quality assurance of data and managing its use and interpretation. This is the major challenge to SNIS’ aspiration to develop a true statistical culture in Cameroon. The work of preparing the second generation NSDS is underway (to cover ) and will make a point of the producers-users dialogue, whose cooperation is indispensable today for developing the national statistic apparatus.