Information Exchange In Natural Resources

The first expert meeting on the sharing of information on natural resources, the Natural Resources Information Exchange (NRIE), took place in Benin in July this year (2010) and attracted representatives from 24 African countries. The African continent is rich in mineral resources. Information sharing can help African governments manage their natural resources efficiently and can help in poverty reduction.

First Quarter Increase In Productivity

Productivity increased in the first quarter of 2010 in all four key productivity measures covered by the ONS for the whole economy. Output per worker increased by 1.3% compared with the same time last year and 0.6% on the previous quarter. Output per job increased by 1.6% on last year and 0.6% on previous quarter. Output per hour increased by 1.2% on last year and 0.3% on previous quarter and unit wage costs increased by 3.9% compared with the same time last year and by 1.2% on the previous quarter.

Total productivity output per job was 2.9%. Total manufacturing output per job was 3.7%. The transport equipment sub-section contributed an increase of 25.6% in output per job to the overall manufacturing figure and 21% output per hour worked and 'other non-metallic minerals' contributed an increase of 13.3% in output per job on the same quarter a year ago.

Services increased output per job by 0.4% on the same time last year and 0.3% per job and 0.2% per hour on the previous quarter. Distribution hotels and restaurants increased output per hour by 4.5% on the same quarter a year ago and distribution 6.5%.

The latest available data on agriculture, forestry and fisheries show that output fell by 8.5% per job and by 12% per hour worked in 2009 compared with 2008.