Full Citation
Title: Human Development Index-Like Small Area Estimates for Africa Computed from IPUMS-International Integrated Census Microdata
Citation Type: Journal Article
Publication Year: 2015
ISBN:
ISSN: 1945-2837
DOI: 10.1080/19452829.2014.956300
NSFID:
PMCID:
PMID:
Abstract: This paper analyzes 24 African census samples from 13 countries available via the African Integrated Census MicroData website to illustrate how microdata may be used to assess development and pinpoint basic human needs at local administrative levels over time. We calculate a Human Development Index-like measure for small administrative areas, where much of the responsibility lies for executing policies related to health, education and general well-being. The methodological proposals introduced in this paper are particularly pertinent for the case of Africa. While it is true that data for much of Africa is not appropriate for economic growth rates or per-capita income estimates, the analysis in this paper demonstrates that they are good enough for many other purposes. Indeed, a major aggravating problem that contributes to the "African statistical tragedy" is the lack of accessibility to existing census microdata. This paper aims to illustrate the usefulness of census microdata-which are vastly under-utilized in Africa-and hopefully contribute to make them more transparent and freely accessible.
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Authors: Permanyer, Iñaki; Esteve-Palos, Albert; Garcia, Joan; Mccaa, Robert
Periodical (Full): Journal of Human Development and Capabilities
Issue: 2
Volume: 16
Pages: 245-271
Data Collections: IPUMS International
Topics: Population Health and Health Systems
Countries: Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Morocco, Rwanda, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda