Data for Development in Nepal

Nepal is facing many pressing development challenges related to poverty, accountability, transparency, economic development, gender, and social inclusion. To address these challenges, the use of evidence – reliable, accessible data and information – to inform decision-making, monitor progress, and evaluate development outcomes is essential. Progress in the sharing and use of data for development in Nepal has been made over recent years – concepts of data ethics and rights to data have become increasingly known to champions both inside and outside government, and there is growing recognition of “open data” as an important tool for development. But, despite progress, there continue to be challenges in the effective sharing and use of data. The D4D Program aims to improve the sharing and use of (open) data as evidence for development. It builds on Development Initiatives’ efforts since 2011 to catalyze a functional, inclusive and locally led data ecosystem as well as The Asia Foundation’s work across Asia to promote the use of data as evidence for development by policy makers, civil society and the private sector. The D4D phase II aims to strengthen data and information ecosystems at the provincial and local spheres Implemented by The Asia Foundation in partnership with Development Initiatives with funding from UK aid, the D4D phase II program support government and non-government stakeholders who have the knowledge and capabilities to demand, produce and use data for evidence-based decision-making that addresses local development challenges. Through this the D4D phase II program works to strengthen functional, inclusive, and locally led data ecosystem in Nepal.