ABSTRACT
In this chapter, the authors provide a brief review of the situations that lower the data quality in developing countries, opportunities that the Statistics Program, Hawassa University have, and the challenges it faces due to the limited resources. The main reason for lack of reliable data in developing countries is found to be the less emphasis given for quality data by the government in addition to the limitation of the resources. Even if the Statistics Program has opportunities for launching postgraduate programs, creating international collaboration, and establishing a stat lab, it must overcome barriers influenced by curriculum and resource related limitations. We describe efforts to transform a program developed on a theoretical and mathematically based curriculum to a more applied and practical program with opportunities for practicum experiences working with real data, which will lead to more career opportunities. Providing access to Internet-based information and free open-access software will be key to a more rapid transformation.
