Discrepancies

There may sometimes be a discrepancy when comparing Openaid with other Sida publications. This means that the information may differ depending on where it is read.

One explanation for this discrepancy is that different formats are used for publishing the statistics.

Sida publishes statistics in three formats:

• Common Reporting Standard (CRS)
  CRS consists of the data that Sida annually reports to OECD/DAC.
• International Aid Transparency Initiative (IATI)
  IATI is the format Sida uses to publish open data on Openaid.
• Annual report
  Each year in its annual report, Sida presents financial and statistical information at a strategy level.

These formats contain static and dynamic data, which can create a certain amount of discrepancy.

Static data

The annual report and CRS report are presented once a year. Thus, data from these is static. At the end of each calendar year, they are locked and then serve as official statistics.

Static data changes as standards for data collection or reporting change. This can take place from one year to the next. For example, coding guidelines may change or new sectors may be introduced. When a country changes its name, static data associated with that specific country also changes. For a project spanning several years, such changes may lead to an inevitable discrepancy.

Dynamic data

Open data is more dynamic because it is updated and published continuously. The data available on Openaid provides a basis for planning development cooperation. The data published on Openaid will be affected if, for example, changes occur after quality assurance. Changes may also be made due to updated guidelines or the introduction of new OECD/DAC codes.

The information on Openaid should be comparable to the data Sida reports to the OECD/DAC. However, due to the difference between static and dynamic data, this data will never be completely identical.

More reasons for a discrepancy

Another reason for a discrepancy is due to variations in the data included in the different formats:

• Sida, OECD/DAC and IATI divide regions and continents up in different ways.
• Information about performance and planned transactions are not reported in CRS, but they are in the data available on Openaid.
• Sida conducts security assessments prior to all publication of data to Openaid. This is done to maintain a high degree of transparency within the Swedish development aid but also to ensure the safety of partner organisations.

Currency

Changes in exchange rates constitute another reason why discrepancies occur. When Openaid is displayed in English with transactions in dollars, for a project with payments and a contract date, the agreed amount may appear to be less than the actual amount paid. This is because each year has its own exchange rate.

Example: A project is agreed on when the Swedish krona is weak, but when the transaction takes place, the Swedish krona has become strong. When the activity is displayed in dollars, it will then appear as if it has been over-planned.