SUPPLY OF DATA FOR AGRICULTURAL ADMINISTRATION AND DEVELOPMENT PLANNING

The data supply function necessitates the ability to assemble data relating to contemporary questions and also the foresight to establish a data base to meet the changing needs of a planning process in a dynamic economic future. Four distinct types of data may be categorized as: structural or benchmark data, resource inventory data, recurrent series on economic parameters, and special studies. Within the context of these data needs, the data supply industry can be disaggregated by source. Each source has its particular characteristics which lead to comparative advantages in producing different types of data. The need for a continuing flow of recurrent data to support policy and administrative decisions gives rise to agencies within government which are responsible for data collection, tabulation, and occasionally analysis. Two of the sources are central statistical organizations and census organizations. These agencies have no operational role in implementing government development programs and consequently will generally concentrate on national aggregate data. Centrally collected data is often characterized by a broader sampling base and greater accuracy. Another type of governmental data source is the statistical cell. This type is tasked more frequently for data to support an immediate policy or program implementation need. The output will be specific to these needs. Proximity to policymakers can lead to their having an influence on the definition of parameters or on data collection methods. While they may occasionally have lower levels of accuracy, they often collect and assemble data more specifically relevant to sector level planning and analysis. Other data sources are also discussed with their advantages and disadvantages. Methods are suggested to prevent undue distortions by politics. Valid roles for foreign assistance to the data supply in developing countries are suggested