Rwanda: First digital census for Persons with disability
Rwanda is preparing for its initial digital census for people with disabilities to address the lack of accurate nationwide data on disabilities, causes, and challenges. The new system aims to create a national database and support research in this sector. The census, costing $1 million, will allocate 60 percent of the budget towards data collection, with the goal of improving evidence-based planning and policy advocacy for inclusive practices.
Rwanda is set to have its first digital census for persons with disability. The traditional data collection with pen and paper has proven futile to have a national database of disabilities, their causes, and the challenges that those with disabilities face.
After the exercise, the government is set to roll out a Disability Management Information System (DMIS), which will also facilitate researchers in the disability sector.
According to the National Council of Persons with Disability, data on disabilities in Rwanda is collected occasionally, however, there is a gap in nationwide reliable, disaggregated data, which makes it difficult for evidence-based planning and advocacy of inclusive policies.
The census will cost $1 million (over Rwf1 billion), and 60 percent of it will be spent on data collection.