DAR ES SALAAM: THE government, through the National Bureau of Statistics and Zanzibar’s Office of the Chief Government Statistician, is set to launch a nationwide Household Budget Survey (HBS) starting in January 2025, covering over 16,400 households across the country.
The one-year survey aims to provide a comprehensive assessment of economic growth, food security, poverty levels and overall health.
Chief Government Statistician, Dr Albina Chuwa said during the meeting on HBS preparations on Saturday that the findings, which are expected to be released in 2026, will offer valuable insights into the nation’s social and economic well-being.
The meeting involved permanent secretaries, as well as government planning directors from Tanzania Mainland and Zanzibar and the development partners including the World Bank.
She noted that the country’s economy has seen a growth rate of 5.6 per cent, which is a positive indicator compared to other African countries.
“We will assess poverty levels, which have been steadily decreasing. In the last survey conducted in 2017- 2018, the poverty rate was 26.4 per cent. We are hopeful that the upcoming findings will continue with this positive trend,” said Dr Chuwa.
She insisted that the survey will focus on food production levels, aiming to evaluate whether Tanzania’s output is sufficient to meet domestic needs and support neighbouring countries, as promoted by President Samia Suluhu Hassan and the Minister for Agriculture.
Dr Chuwa explained that the survey will also measure poverty indicators and key metrics related to Tanzania’s progress on the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the targets of “Zero Hunger” and eradicating poverty by 2030.
“This underscores the government’s commitment to this crucial HBS. Our development partners recognise its importance and the results will be invaluable.
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The survey will collect data over the next year, with results slated for release in 2026,” she said.
On his part, Chief Statistician from the Office of the Chief Government Statistician (OCGS) in Zanzibar, Salum Kassim Ali said that the preparations for the survey are progressing as planned.
He said training for surveyors will begin in December, focusing on three selected regions: Kilimanjaro, Unguja and Pemba.
He urged residents, particularly in the said regions to fully cooperate, reassuring them that the survey will prioritise integrity and professionalism in handling the collected data.
