1. STATISTICAL TRAINING IN THE NATIONAL STATISTICAL SYSTEM
NELSON MUPFUGAMI

2. OUTLINE
Introduction Statistical skills gaps in the NSS Statistical training institutions in Zimbabwe Capacity building strategies in ZIMSTAT Recommendations Conclusion

3. When organisations are not performing well the first item to be struck off the budget is staff training. The idea is to wait until there is more time or more money.

4. Introduction
Staff development is one of the most investment to be made in an organisation
In most cases statistical training in the NSS/NSOs is least prioritised
It is worth to note that anything worth achieving is worth to be planned for
For effective good quality data production quality statisticians should be involved

5. Statistical skills Gaps
NSDS SWOT analysis
Lack of data analysis skills in the NSS
No trainings on use of statistical packages
Limited training on applied statistical courses tailor made for statistical agencies
Not all universities offer programmes on official statistics
Lack of statistical production management skills

6. Statistical Training Institutions in Zimbabwe.
14 universities in Zimbabwe
University of Zimbabwe
National University of Science and Technology
Bindura University of Science
Midlands State University
ZOU
Solusi University

7. CAPACITY BUILDING IN ZIMSTAT
Training section exists
In service training programme operational since 1982
Training programme accredited to the Royal Statistical Society
Conducted in two phases – Part A and Part B
Part A equivalent to RSS Ordinary Certificate
Part B equivalent to RSS Higher Certificate

8. ctd Each part completed in one year
Candidates drawn from the NSS – particularly line ministries and government departments
Programme is for free
Certificates are issued after completion of each part

9. Distance education training programme
Established in 2005
Expansion of the in service training programme
Caters for ZIMSTAT staff in provinces
Not extended to other members of the NSS

10. Further studies ACBF grant agreement
Graduates of the programme proceed to diploma in statistics at EASTC or University of Zimbabwe
Two candidates from NSS and two candidates from ZIMSTAT
Diploma holders proceed to UZ ,NUST and Makerere
One candidate from NSS and one from ZIMSTAT

11. Recommendations Management to be convinced that training is a priority
Training strategies to be put in place for the whole NSS
Training needs to be done regularly
Training to be carried out systematically and continuosly
More statistical training centres to be established in the region to cater for the needs of the statistical agencies
There is need to concentrate also on non technical issues

12. Conclusion
From the SWOT analysis carried out the in service training programme is relevant
It provides the specific skills tailor made for those handling statistical issues in line ministries and government departments
It improves the quality of administrative data
It promotes skills development for our statistical clerks
A number of statisticians went through the programme

13. I Thank you