Accurate statistics from developing countries are of utmost importance in the preparation of assistance projects and analyzing and describing conditions in countries receiving such assistance. The statistics available, however, are for the most part unreliable and sometimes even misleading. SIDA has for a long time felt the need for those working with aid to be more fully aware of the shortcomings of the statistical information available, and the risks and limitation involved when using and interpreting such information. For this reason the author was asked by SIDA to write this report. (From the preface.)
Contents: 1. Introduction -- 2. Collection of statistics -- 3. Reliability of statistical data -- 4. Averages and realities -- 5. Gross national product (GNP) -- 6. Utilization of African statistics -- 7. Conclusion -- 8. References -- 9. African country index