Burkina intends to use new technologies such as artificial intelligence to reduce the costs linked to the collection of statistical data and resolve the inaccessibility of certain areas due to insecurity.
‘The production of data (statistics) is costly and requires better appropriation of tools, constant capacity building, but also the integration of innovations in data collection,’ said Dr Larba Issa Kobyagda, Wednesday July 24 at Ouagadougou.
The Director General of Economy and Planning, Dr Larba Issa Kobyagda, spoke during the 4th edition of the 24 hours of debates on demography, an activity organized by the Directorate of Population Policies.
According to him, the particularity in the principle of data collection is that they serve to feed a specific or general policy for all stakeholders, both public and private.
Although statistical data are essential to support any political and planning action, Dr Larba Issa Kobyagda noted the exorbitant costs associated with their collection.
This is why his depa
rtment recommended taking into account new technologies to minimize expenses.
‘There is big data, which will be mobilized, there is artificial intelligence which must be mobilized for data collection,’ he clarified.
The other reason for integrating innovations into the statistical data collection process is, according to the Director General, the inaccessibility of certain localities due to the security crisis.
‘When we consider the context of certain countries like ours, where the security issue means that certain places are not often accessible, we must work to integrate technologies into the compilation of data in these localities,’ said Dr. Larba Issa Kobyagda.
The mobilization of technology requires the protection of personal data.
To this end, the Director General in charge of planning assured that during the day debates will be held with a view to better protecting personal data so that they serve as a decision-making tool for the both public and private.
It should be noted that the 4th edition o
f the 24 hours of debates on demography is being held under the theme: ‘Innovation in the collection and processing of data for the development of Burkina Faso’.
The inaugural communication, presented by the Director of Population Policies, Issa Zongo, focused on the role of innovative and inclusive statistical data in the planning and evaluation of public policies.
Source: Burkina Information Agency