The World Bank Quality Data for Decision Making (P165062) Project Information Document/ Integrated Safeguards Data Sheet (PID/ISDS) Concept Stage | Date Prepared/Updated: 18-Dec-2017 | Report No: PIDISDSC23141 Nov 29, 2017 Page 1 of 11 The World Bank Quality Data for Decision Making (P165062) BASIC INFORMATION A. Basic Project Data OPS TABLE Country Project ID Parent Project ID (if any) Project Name Niger P165062 Quality Data for Decision Making (P165062) Region Estimated Appraisal Date Estimated Board Date Practice Area (Lead) AFRICA Apr 18, 2018 Sep 14, 2018 Poverty and Equity Financing Instrument Borrower(s) Implementing Agency Investment Project Financing Ministère du Plan Institut National de la Statsitique Proposed Development Objective(s) The PDO of this project is to improve data quality and use. Financing (in USD Million) FIN_SUMM_PUB_TBL SUMMARY Total Project Cost 20.00 Total Financing 20.00 Financing Gap 0.00 DETAILS -NewFin3 Total World Bank Group Financing 20.00 World Bank Lending 20.00 Environmental Assessment Category Concept Review Decision B-Partial Assessment Track II-The review did authorize the preparation to continue Nov 29, 2017 Page 2 of 11 The World Bank Quality Data for Decision Making (P165062) Other Decision (as needed) B. Introduction and Context Country Context 1. Niger is a vast, landlocked country extending over an area of 1,267,000 km2. Its population is estimated at more than 19 million inhabitants with one of the highest population growth rates in the world at 3.9%. The current decline in the prices of natural resources, the instability prevailing with "Boko Haram" activities in the Lake Chad area, and the instability in Libya and Mali with the Islamic State alike, are significant hits on its economy and the social sector. Niger’s economic growth heavily depends on agriculture. The primary sector accounts for nearly 42% of GDP in 2016. Agriculture, which absorbs more than 80% of the country's workforce, is the main activity. Nevertheless, agriculture is practiced on not more than 12% of the territory. 2. Despite the progress achieved in reducing poverty, Niger remains among the poorest countries in the world. Niger ranks last among 188 countries based on the Human Development Index (HDI), estimated at 0.35 in 2016. When poverty is assessed based on a multidimensional index, Niger is also among the six countries with the highest proportion (more than 60%) of population deprived in more than half of the dimensions considered. The other countries include South Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia, Burkina Faso, and Somalia. Life expectancy at birth is estimated at about 61 years. Child and maternal mortality rates are high. Under-five mortality rate is estimated at 104 per 1,000 live births, and maternal mortality rate is estimated at 553 per 100,000 live births, higher than the average for Sub-Saharan Africa (546). 3. The Government of Niger has stated its development objectives in the second Economic and Social Development Strategy for 2017–2021 (Plan de Développement Economique et Social, PDES) following the first plan that was implemented from 2012 to 2015. The overarching goal of this strategy is to reduce poverty from 45% in 2014 to 37.9% by 2021 and improve the human development index from 0.35 in 2016 to 0.41 in 2021. The PDES focuses on the following strategic results: (a) improving the well-being of the population, (b) promoting socio-economic development, (c) promoting sustainable and inclusive growth, (d) improving governance and security, and (e) promoting sustainable management of land, water, and natural resources. 4. As a tool to implement this plan, the country has now adopted a results-based budgeting system like other WAEMU countries. In this regard, the first programmatic budget 2018/2021 has recently been adopted for all the sectors. The target and intermediate indicators have been identified for all the sectors and annual evaluation will be conducted to assess the likelihood of their achievement. 5. In this context, an increase in demand of quality and timely statistics is expected, especially for sectorial statistics. Therefore, it is essential to further strengthen the foundation of development monitoring and analysis systems. This is particularly important for Niger which operates in a resource-constrained environment. While there has been many surveys conducted in an ad-hoc way, the challenge is now to consolidate the lessons learned, and to institute a more systematic and predictable approach to data production, and to bring innovations – through better and disaggregated data. The PDES 2017–2021 recognizes that the availability of reliable, accessible, and timely data relevant to the realities of the country. As a result, the National Strategy for the Development of Statistics (NSDS) 2017–2021 calls for the Nov 29, 2017 Page 3 of 11 The World Bank Quality Data for Decision Making (P165062) modernization of the production of improved quality data and the strengthening of the capacities of the National Statistical System (NSS) to monitor development results. The ministries of finance and planning, departments, and other institutions are also looking for greater assurance that the impacts of sectoral policies are well measured in this results- oriented framework. Within the governments, bilateral and multilateral agencies alike, there is also an increased pressure to adequately measure results and show the real impacts of use of resources. The principal outcome of this project is to improve the quality of data produced both at the National Statistics Institute and at selected sectorial ministries and government agencies, to monitor progress towards development goals Sectoral and Institutional Context 6. This PCN summarizes an initial assessment of Niger’s statistical system to identify constraints that keeps it from performing the basic function of producing, compiling and disseminating relevant and high-quality official statistics in a timely manner. The conclusion from the identification mission is twofold: (i) even though the central agency scores high in producing various data, findings of quality issues raised doubt about the data production process; and (ii) while line ministries collect statistical information in respective sectors as by-product of administrative work and service delivery, they do not carry out processing, compiling and dissemination in a systematic manner. 7. Niger has a decentralized statistical system with the National Statistical Institute (Institut National de la Statistique, INS) as the main official provider of statistics. The institute was created in 2004 following a reform of the statistical system introduced by the 2004 Statistics Act. It is currently under the ministry of planning, but has been given legal and financial autonomy through a functioning board of directors. The autonomy of management granted to the INS has allowed it to attract and retain qualified staff. It has currently 259 agents, nearly 80% of whom have profiles related to data production. INS has established eight regional branch offices in every region in Niger, including in the capital. Almost all the ministries also have set up a “Directorate of Statistics� to conduct their own statistical activities, mainly based on administrative sources. These directorates depend on the financial resources of the ministries and are directed by their own governance structures. The institute has no direct influence over the statistical production process in sectoral units. However, a coordination mechanisms exists within the system with the National Statistics Council (Conseil National de la Statistique) for which INS is assuring the secretariat. 8. The overall quality of data produced is low. While there is significant amount of statistical production at the INS, quality of many of them need to be improved. As demands rise for greater variety of data, there risks for further quality deterioration from overloading the collection and operations as existing staff is stretched thin. There is a need to conduct appropriate cost-benefit analysis on the trade-offs between larger sample size and larger budget throughout all statistical operations. Some quality issues are more data specific: for instance, welfare data is regularly produced but not comparable overtime. The national accounts base year is 11 years old while international standard requires rebasing once every five years. It also need to be moved to the 2008 System of National Accounts. Enterprise/business statistics suffer from incompleteness because they don’t cover the informal sector and their sample frame is not adequate. 9. Dissemination and use of data is limited. There is a lack of an effective producer-user dialogue which leads to discrepancies between data supply and data demand. In addition, the weak analytical capability and limited data dissemination, especially micro-data, have constrained the use of existing economic and social data. The INS holds a significant amount of macro and micro data that are not sufficiently used by the government during preparation of policy reforms and development strategies. Micro-data are not shared with Ministries and researchers, and there is a limited understanding of how these data can be used to inform alternative policy scenarios. 10. The demand for better data exists. For instance, while most of INS surveys have been designed to provide Nov 29, 2017 Page 4 of 11 The World Bank Quality Data for Decision Making (P165062) statistics representative at national level, there is increasing demand for district and sometimes even lower level data and information. Development of digital cartography for enumeration areas (census blocks) with geo-references are highly demanded, and will be cost-effective in the long-run. Data on drought monitoring or refugee welfare are potential new area of future demand as these issues become more severe. Relationship to CPF 11. The proposed project is consistent with the SCD and the emerging priorities of the new Country Partnership Frameworks. The SCD found that inadequate core funding hinders the efficiency of statistical operations and creates a dependence on ad hoc donor funding. For example, to date, most of the institutional budget that INS receives is allocated to salaries and wages, leaving little discretionary resources for field operations or methodological renewal. The proposed project is aligned with Niger CPF currently under preparation. The new CPF identifies three main areas of focus: (i) Improved Rural Productivity and Incomes, (ii) Human Capital and Social Protection, and (iii) Governance for Jobs, Service Delivery, and Growth. This statistics project has been scheduled for delivery in FY19 with the aim of informing the government and the World Bank in design and implementation of development projects for results. C. Proposed Development Objective(s) The PDO of this project is to improve policy decision-making process by enhancing data quality and use. Key Results (From PCN) 12. The main beneficiary of the project is the Institut National de la Statistique, INS. Other entities producing official statistics, particularly in line ministries (e.g., agriculture, livestock, health, education) will also benefit. In addition, the project supports various stakeholders in the government, donor, academia, NGOs, and civil society to facilitate data use. 13. The project development objective will be assessed by the relevance and quality of the output/outcome obtained within the NSS. The main expected outcomes of the project are the following: (i) An electronic and accessible data platform exists (ii) Number of available results indicators in the PDES (iii) Number of core statistical data sets produced and publicly disseminated (iv) Number of statistical products supported by the project designed and implemented in line international standards (v) Number of statistical products that are released according to the statistical calendar 14. The following key intermediary outcomes of the project will be monitored: (i) Quantity of press reporting of official statistical information (ii) Number of government officials and private citizens trained in the use of statistical information D. Concept Description Nov 29, 2017 Page 5 of 11 The World Bank Quality Data for Decision Making (P165062) 15. One of the main lesson that has emerged from reviewing statistical capacity building projects is that a more focused and result-oriented approach is needed for their success. Capacity building will be achieved through data collection (learning-by-doing), technical assistance, and collaboration (peer-to-peer learning). The project would inrtroduce performance based financing for data production (Annex 1). Drawing on the design of similar approaches in Central Africal Republic (P160717), in Mali (P160977), and in the Democratic Republic of Congo (P162345). During project preparation phase, results or objectives to be financed will be identified and verification mechanism will be agreed upon. 16. The project will improve quality (procedures, standards and methodology, statististical infrastructure) and availability (timeliness, presentation, and dissemination), and use of statistics produced. Effectiveness and efficiency will be achieved through better ICT, streamelini9ng of collection, and improvement in skills. 17. The project will have three components: Improvement in Data Use and Data Quality, Modernize Infrastructure and Build Human Resources, and project management. Component 1: Improvement in Data Use and Data Quality (US$12.0 million equivalent) Subcomponent 1.1. Use of Data (US$1.0 million equivalent) 18. Promoting the use of statistics in decision-making is important for enhancing policy effectiveness. While INS produces a good number of statistical products and services, it continues to face challenges related to the inadequate access and use of data by key stakeholders and the public. Hence, there is low visibility for the central agency and the loss of opportunity for resource mobilization. 19. This subcomponent aims to address these shortcomings by strengthening the links with decision-makers and civil society. It will start by improving the data access and dissemination systems which include developing communication plans for all statistical activities, marketing products and services, putting all production in digital form, and improving the user friendliness of the websites. The subcomponent will go further to invest in creating a platform/ecosystem that would bring together data producers, analysts, journalists, and civil society. It will strengthen the planning function in selected government agencies. It will also provide trainings for journalists and civil society on the use of data to more compellingly cover issues related to evidence-based decision-making, transparency, and accountability. A light and affordable means of data collection such as a call center would be at the center of the eco- system. 20. Other specific activities that could be funded include: support statistical advocacy in order to further promote the broad use of statistics in society; provide technical assistance for data anonymisation; and support communication activities on the role and importance of statistics at regional and local level. Subcomponent 1.2. Data Quality (US$11.0 million equivalent) 21. This subcomponent will invest in system-wide activities that enhance overall quality. This include improving priority setting processes around statistical collections and exploring trade-offs between competing needs to ensure that Nov 29, 2017 Page 6 of 11 The World Bank Quality Data for Decision Making (P165062) the INS work program is doable with existing resources. Explore possibilities to increase integration among survey activities, reduce duplication among data collection. Conduct comprehensive methodology review of key data collection activities to improve accuracy. 22. Other specific activities to be financed include: support for the implementation of the recently approved quality assurance framework throughout the NSS; The project will also support the introduction of GIS and GPS technologies to integrate geographically oriented statistical information systems, and to improve efficiency and accuracy of data collection activities in the field. 23. The project will invest in data collection with focus on quality and relevance for poverty reduction. A preliminary list includes the national account (US$2.0M), annual agriculture and livestock data (US$2.0M), demand driven welfare monitoring data (US$2.0M), selected sector data (US$2.0M), and enhanced cartography for population and agriculture censuses (US$2.0M). Component 2: Modernize Infrastructure and Build Human Resources (US$6.0 million equivalent) (2.1) Modernize Infrastructure (US$4.0 million equivalent) 24. This component will help establish information technology and physical infrastructure for statistical operations, including vehicles, computers, networking equipment, and a renovated headquarters building for the INS. The type and configuration of the equipment will be determined through the IT strategy that the project will support. The current INS headquarter building does not have sufficient capacity to accommodate its staff, and one-third of the building offices are deemed harmful to health because they do not have any ventilation. In addition, due to the proximity of the headquarters to the presidency in a quasi-militarized zone, all statistical activities are limited to daytime operations. The recently approved NSDS establishes a plan to construct a new INS headquarter on new land which is at the periphery of the city. However, the project advocates for renovation of an existing government building within the administrative district. The project will finance the renovation costs of the main building as well as the associated assessment of civil engineering works and the supervision. The renovated building will contain a computer center, conference and training rooms, library facilities, and storage rooms. The project will also provide computer equipment to selected sectoral ministries to improve their data collection. The mini-printing service will also be supported to facilitate larger production of different publications within the NSS. (2.2) Human Resources (US$2.0 million equivalent) 25. This sub-component will establish a modern and sustainable system of continued professional education for statisticians in different data-providing agencies by defining the needed skill-mix in modern statistical work; developing appropriate new job descriptions; and designing training and re-training programs, including distance learning for the staff at the regional offices and different categories of statistical data users. It will also include the introduction of staff performance incentives, and improving the remuneration system by linking it to performance, as well as developing job specifications for managers and regular staff within the NSS, and establishing staff management information system. Component 3: Project Management (US$2.0 million equivalent) 26. INS will be the main implementing agency of the project and thus responsible for its overall management. To effectively support the agency, a project management team (PMT), consisting of a project coordinator (the DG of INS), a Nov 29, 2017 Page 7 of 11 The World Bank Quality Data for Decision Making (P165062) financial specialist, and a procurement specialist who are staff of INS, will be established to perform daily project administrative work. Specifically, PMT will coordinate project activities and all beneficiary agencies to include statistical departments in other ministries, manage reporting and auditing activities, and ensure compliance with the procurement, disbursement, and financial management policies and procedures of the World Bank. SAFEGUARDS A. Project location and salient physical characteristics relevant to the safeguard analysis (if known) The specific INS site set for minor renovations civil works is known and within an existing Government facility. Though the Government is exploring the construction of a brand new facility in a government owned land, its likeability is uncertain, as the primary choice is to rather renovate an existing building. Nonetheless, final decision on the project location will be made during project pre-appraisal based on agreement with government. B. Borrower’s Institutional Capacity for Safeguard Policies The Government of Niger has previously successfully implemented Bank-financed projects for which Environmental and Social risks and Impact Assessments and Mitigation measures were prepared and mutually approved by both the Government through the auspices of their national environmental agency (BEEEI) and the Bank. The Bank and BEEEI have established a good collaboration platform which is foreseen to evolved even better. Provision will be made under this project to further strengthen government capacity. C. Environmental and Social Safeguards Specialists on the Team Demba Balde, Social Safeguards Specialist Bolong Landing Sonko, Social Safeguards Specialist Cheikh A. T. Sagna, Social Safeguards Specialist Emeran Serge M. Menang Evouna, Environmental Safeguards Specialist Bougadare Kone, Environmental Safeguards Specialist D. Policies that might apply Safeguard Policies Triggered? Explanation (Optional) The policy is triggered because of the foreseen renovation/reconstruction activities planned under component 2 (subcomponent 2.1- Modernized infrastructure) which risks and impact are expected to be small in scale, moderate to low and mostly site Environmental Assessment OP/BP 4.01 Yes specific and easily manageable, specific of category B operations. An Environmental and social Impact Assessment (ESIA) will be prepared by the Borrower, amply consulted upon, with a fairly well-detailed stakeholders consultation and participation as well as Nov 29, 2017 Page 8 of 11 The World Bank Quality Data for Decision Making (P165062) a Grievance redress Mechanism to foster a good trend of citizen engagement (CE) and social inclusion with specific attention given to women, youth and vulnerable groups employability, safety and security during project implementation. The ESIA will provide sets of basic social and environmental clauses (ESC) to be embedded in contractor’s contract and be publicly disclosed both in-country and at the InfoShop prior to project appraisal. The policy is not triggered as the project activities will concern only renovation/construction activities on Natural Habitats OP/BP 4.04 No existing government building, and thus will not affect any natural habitats. The policy is not triggered as the project activities will concern only renovation/construction activities on Forests OP/BP 4.36 No existing government building, and thus will not affect any forest resources The policy is not triggered as the project activities will concern only renovation/construction activities on Pest Management OP 4.09 No existing government building, and thus will not use pesticides. The policy is triggered because of the foreseen renovation/reconstruction activities under component 2 in the likelihood that during the civil works, physical Physical Cultural Resources OP/BP 4.11 Yes cultural resources are encountered and adequately dealt with. Hence, “chance finds� procedures will be embedded in the ESIA to comply with the policy core requirements. The project is not triggered as there are no Indigenous Indigenous Peoples OP/BP 4.10 No Peoples as defined by the WB in the project site. The policy is not triggered as the project activities will concern only renovation/construction activities on Involuntary Resettlement OP/BP 4.12 No existing government building/land, and thus no new land acquisition is expected. The project will not affect or use services from an Safety of Dams OP/BP 4.37 No existing Dam. Projects on International Waterways The policy is not triggered as the project will not be or No OP/BP 7.50 affect international waterways The policy is not triggered as the project will not be in Projects in Disputed Areas OP/BP 7.60 No nor affect disputed areas. E. Safeguard Preparation Plan Tentative target date for preparing the Appraisal Stage PID/ISDS Jan 31, 2018 Nov 29, 2017 Page 9 of 11 The World Bank Quality Data for Decision Making (P165062) Time frame for launching and completing the safeguard-related studies that may be needed. The specific studies and their timing should be specified in the Appraisal Stage PID/ISDS All studies will be defined after CN review meeting and conducted and completed (with both in-country and InfoShop public disclosure) before project appraisal scheduled to be in March, 2018. CONTACT POINT World Bank Aly Sanoh Economist/Statistician Borrower/Client/Recipient Ministère du Plan Implementing Agencies Institut National de la Statsitique Idrissa ALICHINA KOURGUENI Directeur General iakourgueni@ins.ne FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT The World Bank 1818 H Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20433 Telephone: (202) 473-1000 Web: http://www.worldbank.org/projects APPROVAL Task Team Leader(s): Aly Sanoh Nov 29, 2017 Page 10 of 12 The World Bank Quality Data for Decision Making (P165062) Approved By APPROVALTBL Practice Manager/Manager: Carlos Silva-Jauregui 26-Dec-2017 Country Director: Soukeyna Kane 09-Jan-2018 Nov 29, 2017 Page 11 of 11