Population databases in development analysis
Chamie, J.
Journal of Development Economics 44: 131-146
1994
ISSN/ISBN: 0304-3878 PMID: 12290678 DOI: 10.1016/0304-3878(94)00009-3Document Number: 294085
Population databases are very important in formulating analyses of social and economic change and development. Since such analyses are often the basis for policy making and program formulation, it is important to have a sound understanding of their strengths and limitations. This paper focuses upon databases which deal with population size, life expectancy at birth, and infant mortality. Considerable progress has been made in producing population databases over the last several decades, but many problems remain with regard to their comparability, completeness of coverage, and accuracy. Governmental and political circumstances greatly influence the availability and quality of population databases. Globally, the comparability of data remains a serious concern due to deviations from standard definitions. The completeness of coverage of databases among less developed countries varies widely by region, while the data for preparing estimates and assessing demographic trends are deficient and problematic. Technological advances and the repackaging of population databases have greatly advanced their production and availability, but confusion and ignorance have become widespread regarding the original source and nature of the data. Database users therefore too often undertake faulty analyses which lead to false conclusions.