The Process
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COD-PS are based on the ‘best‘best-available data principle’ principle’ and as such have no unique and standardized source. They are ideally drawn from The preferred source is recent population estimates and projections produced by National Statistical Offices published after the census. However, these are not always available or do not provide the sex and age disaggregation required by humanitarian organizations. Further, as the date of the last census passes by, more survey data becomes available to update estimates and projections of recent, postcensal population dynamics. In these cases, the ‘best-available data principle’ mandates to provide sex and age disaggregated projections that reflect the more up-to-date data environment. In this section, we describe the application of the “best available data” humanitarian standard to the construction of COD-PS datasets – noting the diverse array of population data and humanitarian landscapes that need to be considered.
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There is no “one size fits all” approach when applying the Best Available Data Standard to humanitarian preparedness and operational response countries. Regional and country context matters, as well as, the population data landscape and humanitarian context which shape's the approach to constructing a COD-PS. Specifically, the following are key factors in determining how best to apply the best available data standard to a given population data landscape:
- The census round in which the last population and housing census in the country was undertaken;
- The availability and usability of published sex- and age-disaggregated subnational population projections for the current year;
- The availability of population census data and recent data on population dynamics and their usability to construct a new set of sex- and age-disaggregated subnational population projections up to and including the current year; and
- The necessity and feasibility of constructing a new set of subnational population projections.
When Government Data is available
When available, the most logical candidate dataset for a COD-PS is the latest set of subnational population projections compiled by the National Statistics Office or related competent authority. Such projections estimate the population at a baseline year (usually at the time of the last census) and project the population forward to the current year based on information about recent population dynamics (namely fertility, mortality, and migration patterns).
When Government Data is available but outdate
When recent subnational population projections are not readily available, then to construct a COD-PS it is necessary to acquire the most recent census data and indicators on population dynamics to construct sex- and age-disaggregated population projections at either ADM-1 or ADM-2. In cases where recent population and demographic data can be utilized, the Bayesian population projection framework can be used - this will ensure consistency in the methodological approach of the UN’s official national population projections (known as the World Population Prospects) and COD-PS datasets constructed at lower administrative units (i.e. ADM-1 and below).
When Government Data is unavailable (or too outdated)
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| To support humanitarian decision making and action, UNFPA document's individual country COD-PS datasets through an end-user guidance note. This document details the input data used to construct the COD-PS, documents any adjustments made to the underlying data during the estimation process, describes the demographic estimation and projection methods used and summarizes the COD-PS dataset by noting its strengths and limitations. The end-user guidance note also explicitly describes the reference population and reference year for which the COD-PS applies. It is designed to assist humanitarian decision-makers in understanding the strengths of limitations of the data and methods used to compile a COD-PS, as they use COD-PS data for needs assessment, humanitarian plan design, and assessments of humanitarian interventions. |
Standards <NOT SURE ABOUT THIS SECTION>
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The population statistics COD standards and guidance are currently in development at the global level with UNFPA. The minimum standards identified in the current evaluation checklist enable data interoperability and harmonization.
COD-PS Required Characteristics (minimum requirements in red)
Metadata
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Tabular Attributes
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The COD-PS involves the IMWG and follows the normal COD cycle.
UNFPA Steps
- Identify UNFPA (possibly additional) partners in your IM Network who are HQ) Technical Division coordinates with Regional Offices to identify CO 'experts' in population statistics/demographic data . UNFPA should be included as defined by Joint letter regarding cooperation between UNFPA and OCHA on CODsIdentify population datasets for a and to validate any publicly available dataset.
- If a dataset is publicly available, CO experts assess if such dataset meets the "best-available principle". If no datasets have been identified by TD/RO, then CO experts will identify population datasets for their country that are available at different administrative levels and ideally age and sex-disaggregated. They need to match the COD-AB and should be identified and processed at the same time.
- If datasets require processing to improve them (e.g. estimations, SADD, etc) the methodology should agree to by the IM network and include in the metadata. This should be done during preparedness activities as it is expected that within 48 hours of an event triggering a humanitarian emergency,
- Gain endorsement by the IM Network that the dataset is the COD-PS
- Gain endorsement by the HC/RC of the COD-PS
- The COD-PS dataset and metadata should be widely shared through national, regional, and global channels (HDX) to support data compatibility pertaining to the emergency.
OCHA Steps
- Identify (possibly additional) partners in your IM Network who are 'experts' in population statistics/demographic data. UNFPA should be included as defined by Joint letter regarding cooperation between UNFPA and OCHA on CODs
IM Network
The IM Network may already include COD-PS subject matter experts but you may want to consider others who are not typically part of the group. You may also consider creating a specific working group to focus on this particular dataset and report to the larger network after each phase of the COD cycle. Relationships are a key part of the COD cycle and just as important and the datasets. Questions to ask yourself when considering the IM Network is for the development of COD-PS:
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