Measuring development goals

摘要

Development efforts are often hampered by poor or non-existent data. While attempts are being made to address this, much more needs to be done to improve official data by developing countries themselves, particularly as new development goals are set for the post-2015 period. Users can search the data they need and access it freely. The Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia has published more than 100 surveys in its catalogue with a clear microdata access policy Rwanda, Tanzania and Nigeria also have an open dissemination policy and distribute microdata files to researchers. Still, more can be accomplished, particularly by using technological innovations. Bill Gates remarked that innovations in measurement are critical to finding new, effective ways to deliver these tools and services to the clinics, family farms and classrooms that need them. Mobile phones are a good example. In Kenya, 93% of households have a mobile phone, and adoption is increasing fast.