The context

Namibia has faced challenges in maintaining up-to-date data on its population, particularly for persons with disabilities. The last data collection initiative took place during the 2011 census, and a subsequent 2021 census was postponed. The project, led by the Disability Council of Namibia and the German development agency GIZ, sought to fill this data gap. The project’s aim was to collect the latest disaggregated data by equipping OPDs with enhanced tools that would improve data collection methods. The ultimate aim of the project was to ensure that the needs and conditions of persons with disabilities were adequately represented and addressed.

The Approach

OPD representatives were trained in data collection methodologies and equipped with computers and tablets. These digital tools were installed with the open-source mobile data collection software Kobo Toolbox and KoBo Collect.  

Data was then gathered in a pilot phase using a household questionnaire. The questionnaire included qualitative and quantitative questions to gather information on the socioeconomic status, living conditions, health, education, employment and social participation of persons with disabilities. The pilot phase was also designed to identify the most pressing unmet needs of individuals with disabilities in the two regions.  

Finding solutions through data

A two-step process was used, involving capacity-building activities followed by in-person questionnaires. Different sampling methods (purposive and snowball sampling) were used to identify persons with disabilities above the age of 18 from the two regions. A sample size was calculated at n=420 (n being the number of participants) based on the 2011 national census results for the two regions. This group served both as key informants providing valuable testimonials, and as the data pool.

Step 1: Capacity-building to train and equip OPDs to collect and manage disability data

GIZ Namibia identified the need to upskill and reskill OPDs on data collection and management. GIZ assessed the OPDs’ existing data systems and IT infrastructure and, found that key data collection skills were lacking.  

GIZ Namibia supported OPDs by recommending ways to enhance existing data that had been gathered through member registrations and other processes. The team helped the OPDs to leverage this data by introducing tools such as Kobo Toolbox.  

Step 2: Collecting pilot data through a mixed-method research approach

After the capacity-building phase, enumerators from various OPDs collected data through a mixed methods approach.  

Using data from Namibia’s 2011 Population and Housing Census as a baseline, the sample size and selection were determined. Enumerators used purposive and snowball sampling to focus on persons with disabilities and collect data on the demographic characteristics, needs, barriers, preferences and opinions of persons with disabilities across different domains, from employment to health, and accessibility.  

A face-to-face questionnaire was also used, which incorporated a specific set of questions known as the WG Short Set on Functioning. These questions, often used in population-based health surveys, are designed to capture important issues linked to living with disabilities. The questionnaires were conducted by trained enumerators.  

The enumerators surveyed 433 persons with disabilities, with the results generating extremely useful insights. Findings included the fact that most individuals with disabilities were reported to have no formal education, highlighting a major gap in access to education for the group.  

The survey asked why so many individuals with disabilities do not complete their education, with the two top answers being they could not afford it or due to ill health. This shows that more accessible forms of education are required to ensure education for all, such as through online or at home schooling. Additionally, the most commonly reported salary was less than N$ 16.800, well below the GDP per capita of the country.

How can better data contribute to better policy?

Improved disability disaggregated data will allow policymakers to make evidence-based decisions and ensure that resources are appropriately allocated to meet the needs of persons with disabilities. The data supports the development of inclusive policies that promote equality and access to services, ultimately leading to a more just society.  

The results demonstrated that accurate and up-to-date disability data is essential for evidence-based policymaking. By empowering OPDs to collect, manage and maintain a robust data repository, policymakers in Namibia now have the evidence necessary to design and implement policies that address the specific needs of persons with disabilities.  

Where do we go from here?

This initiative is expected to influence the allocation of resources, improve access to services, and promote inclusive development in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.  

The project’s outcomes included recommendations for policymakers on how to integrate the newly collected data into national planning and development strategies.  

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