Outcomes of DFID’s consultation on data

By Philip Cockerill, DFID Statistics Adviser

In August, DFID sought views from across the globe on how DFID should work to shape and strengthen data systems, that work for everyone and realise the Sustainable Development Goals. We were pleased to receive a wide range of responses from NGOs, multilaterals, governments, academics and data experts. Thank you to everyone who engaged with the consultation. We read every reply and would like to share how this has influenced our thinking and planning.

Four proposed areas of increased engagement

In response to our internal and external consultations DFID is in the process of exploring its potential for more engagement in four areas:

1. Geospatial data and integration within national statistics systems

2. Population and identity systems

3. The wider data ecosystem of which national statistics systems are a part

4. Data governance in a world of increasing open data, data linkage and digitisation

We intend to add value in these areas through a mix of advocacy, supporting national data priorities, sharing lessons and direct programming. We will continue our existing work in promoting the importance of data for country decision making and supporting national statistics systems. In all we do we will explore the potential for innovative approaches and ones which permit disaggregated analysis which will support the SDG agenda of ‘leave no one behind’. We will announce new programming in due course.

Key messages from the consultation

• The consultation demonstrated that the world of development data is vast, varied and continues to grow. There is an equally broad range of needs that DFID and others have opportunity to support. DFID should be global advocates of the benefits of data to users and the importance of best practice and quality standards to producers.
• You challenged us to have an awareness of the range of existing systems (e.g. population registers, civil registration and vital statistics, administrative systems) and the potential for utilising new data sources. National government owned systems require support, but you also asked us to consider community and citizen owned data which can provide different measures. We should support innovation whilst also looking to build sustainable data systems. You see DFID having a potential to identify best practice and to support the implementation of recognised standards in a range of countries. You cautioned that we should be mindful that data systems need to be context dependent.
• You encouraged us to embrace new technology and new data sources. Lobbying for open government data, open commercial data and the use of geo-referencing will allow new analyses to emerge. We should support developing countries through assistance in data literacy and in the use of new technology and methods.
• The 2020 census round is huge in scale. You confirmed that DFID is in a good position to help strengthen these key data sources. We should consider international and national advocacy for the inclusion of SDG relevant questions (e.g. disability) whilst ensuring that censuses support national priorities. Digital technology, standardisation of approaches across countries and the sharing of best practices can lead to improved quality. Public oversight and improved transparency can tackle political interference. The improvements in geospatial analysis and the increased ability to link data sources can be utilised extensively if countries are provided with support and if data is made more openly available.

Moving forward

In 2019 we will continue to work closely with the Office for National Statistics (ONS). And we look forward to working with a broad range of partners to promote the use and enable the production of data. We seek to learn from users and producers around the world. Please keep sharing your views with us. Tell us what you think we’re doing right and how we could improve. Are you working in any of DFID’s priority areas? Do let us know.

Please contact us via: D4D@dfid.gov.uk

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