Data sources and country practices in the compilation of income distribution and related statistics in Africa

Abstract

This paper is intended to give a brief outline and summary of the data sources and current national practices in countries of the region in their compilation of income distribution and related statistics (namely, consumption, savings, etc.). The methods and principles regarding concepts, definitions and classifications and statistical standards in this field in general, and the many methodological problems encountered in the collection of such data through household budget surveys in African conditions in particular, and actual statistical data series, whole or partial in coverage, on income distribution and related statistics for selected countries in the region, are dealt with elsewhere in three separate papers, namely, one by the United Rations Statistical Office and the remaining two by ECA Secretariat.