7. Evaluation of the data collected and the methodology used

The major shortcomings of the system of data collection and the methods used are:

Lack of appreciation of the importance and role of forest product data in the development of forests. Therefore, not enough resource is allocated for the collection of data for forest products.

The mechanism used for the verification of data is very weak and those compiling data are not well trained about the difference in forest product types and their units of measurements.

After decentralisation, some regions have prepared their own formats for data collection which has a serious implication for data aggregation in order to get higher level estimates for the national figure.

Training of experts in all aspects of data production which include data collection, processing, analysis, interpretation and reporting is lacking.

Lack of standard formats for data collection, which has serious implications for data aggregation.

Data timeliness has been one of the causes for the inconsistency of data.

Different data producers use different concepts, definitions, measuring tools, classifications, methodologies to collect and present data. This invariably leads to data inconsistency.

Forestry data is collected from annual reports, but after the regionalisation, the regular report flow was terminated.

Lack of frame work for collecting and disseminating essential data and no networking of information

Lack of appropriate data collection and dissemination policy and strategy

Lack of proper inter-institutional linkages