SOCIO-ECONOMIC SURVEYS

SOCIO ECONOMIC SURVEY

ISS-AFRICA KENYA focuses on Socio economic and demographic surveys are used to collect data on a population’s characteristics for demographic and economic analyses, educational and manpower planning, poverty studies, and assessing progress toward national objectives. Repeated surveys are important to monitor and evaluate different aspects of the survey and improvement thereon.

When we focus on specific topics, socioeconomic and demographic surveys collect data from a sample that yields results representative of the total population. Data may be collected from individuals, households, or establishments. In general, surveys can collect more specialized and detailed information if well planned. 

Because of their smaller scale compared to a population census, socioeconomic and demographic surveys have the advantage of timeliness of results, lower overall costs, and a potentially higher number of indicators. 

A well-designed survey can yield statistically reliable data at a fraction of the cost of a census, and more quickly have proven their distinct utility for collecting data on key social, economic, and demographic indicators as well as generating information for program development and policy formation

A well-designed survey program incorporates the following major components: 

• Planning and Design: A survey questionnaire should be designed to facilitate enumeration and data capture. It is imperative to test the questions to ensure both that they are clearly understood by the respondents and that the desired measurement topics are effectively captured. 

• Field Operations and Data Collection: Field and office operations must be carefully planned to ensure the quality of survey data. A comprehensive training program for field supervisors, enumerators, and data coders is essential. 

• Data Processing, Analysis, and Dissemination: Special attention should be given to data editing, data tabulation, data analysis, and the dissemination of survey results to ensure that survey objectives are met and that decision-makers and other stakeholders have the information they require. The Census Bureau provides capacity building-oriented technical assistance and training on all components associated with conducting socioeconomic and demographic surveys.