UNFPA support to the 2010 population and housing census in Tajikistan enabled the transition from an out-dated census approach in 2005 to one that complies with international principles and standards. A fruitful UNFPA programme of intensive capacity development supported the National Statistical Office by introducing modern technologies and organizing knowledge exchanges and staff training on data collection and dissemination. Respect for national ownership BY UNFPA generated trust and a productive working relationship with Tajik authorities. The upshot of publically available and reliable census data has permitted government decision-makers, the university sector and the media to use data systematically, with ministries and municipalities frequently relying on census data for policy design. However, the government did not make micro-data publically available in spite of UNFPA efforts.

UNFPA support to census in Tajikistan was subject to significant external constraints, including a lack of interest from other development partners, low financial investment and a steep decline in regional UNFPA in-house expertise following the dismantlement of Country Support Teams. Looking ahead to the 2020 census, the report identifies the retention of staff capacity and the maintenance of technological infrastructure as two key prerequisites for upholding 2010 quality standards.