This project managed by OMSAR has brought sustainable improvements to the Lebanese system of National Accounts, most notably in the re-engineering of the former annual system for estimating GDP by activity, and converting it into a quarterly process from which both annual and quarterly GDP estimates can be derived. This included more robust IT systems to facilitate data cleaning and processing of key data sources to enhance the reliability of the estimates. Most training took the form of learning by doing, so CAS staff would be able to understand and to manage the new systems, and to answer questions as necessary.
The project also supported CAS in producing social statistics, and in mainstreaming such core issues as gender and poverty in its work, in line with international standards.
A set of cross-cutting activities were also held to increase CAS’ staff knowledge of statistical softwares and methodologies, such as use of R, publication and dissemination.
Process manuals for survey implementation, data treatment and analysis were designed.
Overall objective: “Enhance the social cohesion in Lebanon, in particular to mitigate the impact of the Syrian crisis on Lebanon”
Specific objective: “Improve the quantity and quality of statistical information in general with specific focus on the impact of the Syrian crisis on Lebanon and in particular to social and economic data”
4 Components: Economic statistics & National Accounts, Social statistics, Cross-cutting issues, Internal project management
What was achieved
First estimate of GDP by activity for 2018 now available
• Based on 4 quarters for a majority of activities
• Based on 3 quarters and/or projections for others
• Lacks annual data for crops, banking & government only
This represents a huge improvement in timeliness, and no less reliable than in comparable countries. In addition:
- GDP by activity estimation system was re-engineered
- FTI & VAT data processing systems upgraded: more reliable
- Minor estimation improvements and projections introduced
- CAS staff competent to operate the systems
Population, demographics, gender and poverty:
• CAS trained on demography and population indicators, poverty and gender statistics
Study on population estimates and projections delivered, as well as publication on gender statistics and methodology for multidimensional
3.1.Assessment of the procedures in survey management
CAS survey management plans focuses on households and social surveys, the only surveys implemented by CAS at the moment. The situation at CAS with respect to survey management was assessed and existing information on quality gathered. Strengths and weaknesses with respect to international benchmarks identified. Based on the information gathered and assessed, the survey management plan was drafted and delivered.
3.2. Training on the new procedures of survey management
CAS staff improved skills on how to implement the new procedures of survey management and quality assurance developed under Result 3.1 and 3.6.
3.3. Training on advanced data processing procedures
CAS skills developed in the application and use of statistical package R for data processing and analysis and assessment whether R is a realistic alternative to SPSS.
3.4. Staff trained on applied survey methodology for economic and households’ surveys taking into account the statistical frames available
CAS skills developed on global overview about all the steps applied during a survey process, from the preparation to the implementation.
3.5. Training on variance calculation for sample estimates
Developed CAS staff skills on sampling methods and calculation of variance and estimates and in the application and use of SPSS for estimate variances for complex survey designs. Practical exercise organized on the LFHLCS to select a sample of Palestinian camps.
3.6. Quality framework for data production
Existing tools, standards, handbooks, together with examples of best practices from national or international organisations (Eurofound, OECD, and ESS NSIs) considered. Based on this information the quality assurance plan was drafted and delivered.
3.7 Staff training on analysing data and preparing statistical reports
N on-the-job training on data analysis (data controls, quality assurance, international guidelines) was organised in May 2018. Recommendations to improve processes and increase quality in preparing statistical publications were also issued.
3.8.Training on metadata concepts and implementation in social and economic statistics
Improved CAS staff skills on the main concepts and international standards used for metadata and practical application of the theoretical concepts by using the “Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2009”.
3.9. Knowledge management
New result added to the Work package following CAS need to put in place a knowledge management system to gather in one place all documents and outputs of current EU cooperation projects and sharing the acquired knowledge of past projects
Source of Fund: EU
Type of activity: Support to the enhancement of the operations of the CAS in collecting, analyzing and reporting on key data under various sectors
Contract value: € 1,051,025.00
Closing date : Jul-19
| Achievements, Milestones, Deliverables |
Status |
| Methodologies for the development of social statistics were drafted (gender surveys, population surveys, demographic projections and poverty statistics ...) |
Recommendations will be used for the future actions
Gender statistics: Staff trained & preparing to integrate the new data from Labor Force & Households Living conditions into publication
Poverty statistics: Staff trained & a methodology for the compilation of Multidimenstional poverty indices prepared & was to be presented to a national expert group (including WB & UN) for discussion and adoption. Report will be produced when the new data from Labor Force & Households Living. |
| National Accounts (Quarterly and yearly) prototyped and drafted (DGP, business taxes, education, foregin trade, Construction cost price indices, Survey of departing visitors, Light survey of hospitals, Agriculture (projections system developed), Electricity (simpler method introduced, but data on private supply needed), improved compilation procedures. |
GDP by activity estimation system was re-engineered
FTI & VAT data processing systems upgraded: more reliable
Minor estimation Improvements and projections introduced
CAS staff competent to operate the systems |
how to conduct surveys, statistical production, dissemination and metadata(developed)
Survey management plan and Quality assurance plan developed
Knowledge management system developed |
Capacity building has been done, staff knowledge has been significantly improved which will impact CAS work in the coming years |