MICS: Building national statistical capacity for SDG data collection, analysis and reporting in Bangladesh


This project aims to gather crucial data on children's and women's well-being through the 'Multi Indicators Cluster Survey (MICS)' to contribute in policy design. Additionally, it aims to enhance national statistical capacity to collect internationally comparable estimates of key indicators for monitoring SDGs and national priorities. The project will continue Switzerland's long-standing tradition of supporting data and statistical capacity in developing countries.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Bangladesh
Employment & economic development
Education
Health
nothemedefined
Social protection
Primary education
Basic nutrition
01.07.2024 - 31.12.2025
CHF  800’000
Background Reliable and high-quality statistics are crucial for Bangladesh's prosperity and progress in tracking SDGs and the 8th Five Years Plan. Bangladesh's national statistical capacity is one of the lowest in the South Asia region. Bangladesh ranks 82nd out of 145 countries in the World Bank's 2020 Statistical Capacity Score, a position it has maintained with minimal improvement since 2013. Specific challenges include limited capacity to collect, analyse and produce disaggregated data; limited statistical outputs, with data often published late or not at all; and weak coordination in the national statistical system, particularly between the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and line ministries.
Objectives To enhance national statistical capacity to collect reliable, internationally comparable data on key indicators for tracking SDGs, national priorities and assessing the situation of children and women in health (including environmental health), nutrition, education, child protection, water and sanitation that can be used for evidence-based policy design and advocacy.
Target groups

Direct target group: Project will primarily target data for women and children, particularly children under five, children aged 5-17 years and women aged 15-49 years. It will include household level data covering all men, women and children.

Indirect target group: Government ministries and agencies, development partners, international financial institutions, CSOs, research organisations and private sector will benefit from MICS.

Medium-term outcomes Improved institutional capacity and resources of BBS to collect statistically sound and high-quality data for SDG monitoring and reporting using MICS.
Results

Expected results:  

Output 1: Staff technical skills and knowledge in data collection, compilation, processing, analysis, geospatial integration and reporting on key SDG indicators built.

Output 2: Stakeholders including GoB, CSOs and private sector actively participated and contributed in all stages of data collection, analysis and reporting.

Output 3: System developed and capacity of BBS to manage geospatial and real-time data enhanced.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Project partners Contract partner
United Nations Organization (UNO)
  • United Nations Children’s Fund


Coordination with other projects and actors USAID, World Bank, UNFPA, UNHCR and Asian Development Bank
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF    800’000 Swiss disbursement to date CHF    800’000 Total project since first phase Budget inclusive project partner CHF   800’000
Project phases Phase 1 01.07.2024 - 31.12.2025   (Current phase)