Independent Evaluation of the Marrakech Action Plan for Statistics

Abstract

The Marrakesh action plan for statistics (MAPS) was created in 2004 as an important component of an informal partnership whose main goal is to help develop and strengthen national statistical systems through six specific actions with target dates aiming to prepare the way for sustainable improvement in statistical capacity. The objectives of the evaluation are: (i) to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability of the five partnership programs; (ii) to assess the extent to which MAPS actions remains relevant to the statistical capacity; and (iii) to provide guidance on how support for statistical capacity can be strengthened and made more effective under the Busan action plan for statistics. This report presents the results of a light evaluation of the partnership effort between the World Bank, through the development grant facility (DGF), and a number of key agencies involved in the building of statistical capacity in developing countries under the MAPS. This evaluation covers the five largest partnership programs which include the international household survey network (IHSN), the accelerated data program (ADP), the preparation of national strategies for the development of statistics (NSDSs), the urgent improvement in key statistics, including gender statistics and the support given to countries to participate in the 2010 census round.