LAUSR

This paper presents an ongoing initiative, built on practical approach and grounded in fieldwork experience, to produce harmonised statistics on Governance, Peace and Security (GPS) at continental level in Africa. The methodology consists of adding on standardised GPS modules to socioeconomic household surveys. In line with the usually promoted principles of inclusiveness and participation, the use of statistical survey among large and representative sample of the population is a good strategy to voice citizens’ views and concerns. The adoption of the 2030 agenda, which positions institution-building and governance issues as a cornerstone of sustainable development, provides a unique opportunity to consolidate this pioneering African experience. The institutionalisation of the production of GPS statistics by National Statistics Offices within the official statistics field can give the means to take up the Goal 16 measurement challenge. The paper describes the main methodological options for doing so and draws lessons and initial evidence from a dozen countries that have piloted the GPS survey module. Selected empirical results illustrate the analytical potential and policy relevance offered by this approach.