Role of Metadata in dissemination of census data

Role of Metadata in dissemination of census data Regional Seminar on dissemination and spatial analysis of census data, Nairobi, 14 -17 September, 2010 By M. Mugisha Roger NISR/RWANDA

OUTLINES n Introduction n Definitions – Data dissemination – Metadata n Importance of Metadata n Case of Rwanda n Conclusion and recommendations

Introduction n n Increase demands of data not only for crosscountry empirical analysis but also country specific ones Increase in the use of internet has made statistical data available to both expect inexpert users of statistical information who are looking for ways of interpreting information they access and making intelligent use of the data. Users are able to interpret information without any limitation from their expertise in statistics Provide ways to not only intelligent use of data but also ensure easy access by many users

Definitions n What is dissemination? – The process of extracting raw statistical information from a database or repository to produce statistical output that can be used and has relevance to statistical query it seeks to satisfy n What is metadata? – It is a descriptive information or documentation about statistical data (data about data). In other words, statistical metadata is anything that might influence or control the way in which the core information is used by people or software.

Importance of dissemination of data n Knowledge based: census data informs anybody on the changes occurring within a society (population); n Policy making: census data is an essential tool for evidence based planning, for monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs. n Research: census data are used by researchers on small or global scale.

Importance of metadata n n n n User : Metadata support the knowledge of potential user of statistical information. User of statistical information needs to identify, locate, retrieve, process, interpret and analyze census data that may be relevant for the task aims to accomplish Production: Metadata support the planning, design, maintenance, implementation, processing, operation and evaluation of activities (census, survey) Metadata is a key element of improving the quality and access to reliable data Metadata enhances the dissemination to the widest audience Ensures Easy access to information at any time Avails data in timely manner Considerable investment in data collection (census, surveys) but low investment in documentation, preservation and dissemination Cost-effective and user-friendly solution to document, preserve and disseminate micro-data according to international standards

Importance of metadata (ctnd) n Create interaction with users i. e. increase relevance n Feedback can lead to improvement of methods n Better use of data i. e.

Role of Metadata in data dissemination in Rwanda n Background – No metadata existed – In 2009, Metadata was developed and as result a metadata for the 2002 census has been developed – The results from the analysis of 2002 census were published online and on portable media (CD-Rom), but the metadata not developed enough to support the users understanding – Also CDs and publications were distributed up to sector level, but large public was not reached (printing of publication is expensive)

Current status and way forward n Metadata are being developed and the 2002 census data base and others surveys are accessible on line: – Devinfo. Rwanda (available) – IMIS (done but need to be hosted on the web) – NADA (under construction)

Conclusion and recommendation n Conclusion – Metadata plays an important role in disseminating data and particular census data – Wide coverage of internet and usage of ICT n Recommendations – Make sure metadata are in various formats to easy access and offer more options for users – Security of metadata

Thank you