Many researchers argued that statistical data, in general, in many developing countries are not accurate. Thus, the data in developing countries are not directly comparable with those in developed countries.
Can you give me some real life examples of inaccurate statistical data in a developing country?
The problem could be viewed in different setting:
1. There are several serious problems which not allowed to get reliable data in different subjects and
2. The data collection mechanisms in some developing countries are not clear and
3. The techniques of data editing /data screening are not used.
Regards,
Zuhair
One classic example in India in Agriculture where I spent most of my life, there is National Level data on Area, Production & Yield of most crops. And then there is State & District level data. But at sub-district there is no data. I always wonder how without aggregates are available without the base data?
Similarly in many crops, the industry or US Department of Agriculture estimates are relied upon more than the estimates put-out by the Government.
Dear Emmanuel,
You gave me an good example. Just like you said, how the government estimate aggregates without the base data?
Your answer helps me with understanding the issue better. Thank you.
Don
The problem could be viewed in different setting:
1. There are several serious problems which not allowed to get reliable data in different subjects and
2. The data collection mechanisms in some developing countries are not clear and
3. The techniques of data editing /data screening are not used.
Regards,
Zuhair
Dear Don
Again, to answer your question:
Some of the limitations and challenges of the data sources and data collection are stated below,
- The first weakness observed with regard to this practice is the lack of databases to the several sectors like economic, commerce, education, …. etc; and to several related activities in the developing countries. Many important activities are used in most ministries/ institutions, but unfortunately their databases are not updated.
- The second serious observation is the lack of alignment between the data systems/ institutional systems of data and some important activities/indicators, i.e. different definitions of several types of collected data from institution to institution. This challenge is being faced in most ministries/institutions.
- Regards,
Dear Dr. Al-Hemyari,
Thank you so much for your elaborated feedback. By reading of your feedback, it should be very challenging to conduct research by using the database in some developing countries.
Don
Another example of inaccurate statistical data in a developing country is data on drug production and drug trafficking. For instance, data on drug production obtained by satelite pictures needs to be complemented with field data because drug production does not depend only on cropping extension but on several other factors, such as the technology used for drug production. But many developing countries do not allow international organisations to conduct field research on this topic.
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