Making the most of imperfect data: A critical evaluation of standard information collected in farm household surveys

Allbwn ymchwil: Cyfraniad at gyfnodolynErthygladolygiad gan gymheiriaid

Fersiynau electronig

Dogfennau

Dangosydd eitem ddigidol (DOI)

  • Tim Pagella
  • James Hammond
    World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)International Livestock Research Institute
  • Simon Fraval
    International Livestock Research Institute
  • Jannike Wichern
    Wageningen University
  • Simon J Oosting
    Wageningen University
  • Imke J de Boer
    Wageningen University
  • Nils Teufal
    International Livestock Research Institute
  • Mats Lannerstad
    Independent consultant
  • Katharina Waha
    Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
  • Todd S Rosenstock
    World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)
  • Ken E Giller
    Wageningen University
  • Mario Herrero
    Agriculture and Food, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
  • David Harris
    World Agroforestry Centre (ICRAF)
  • Mark T Van Wijk
    International Livestock Research Institute
Household surveys are one of the most commonly used tools for generating insight into rural communities. Despite their prevalence, few studies comprehensively evaluate the quality of data derived from farm household surveys. We critically evaluated a series of standard reported values and indicators that are captured in multiple farm household surveys, and then quantified their credibility, consistency and, thus, their reliability. Surprisingly, even variables which might be considered ‘easy to estimate’ had instances of non-credible observations. In addition, measurements of maize yields and land owned were found to be less reliable than other stationary variables. This lack of reliability has implications for monitoring food security status, poverty status and the land productivity of households. Despite this rather bleak picture, our analysis also shows that if the same farm households are followed over time, the sample sizes needed to detect substantial changes are in the order of hundreds of surveys, and not in the thousands. Our research highlights the value of targeted and systematised household surveys and the importance of ongoing efforts to improve data quality. Improvements must be based on the foundations of robust survey design, transparency of experimental design and effective training. The quality and usability of such data can be further enhanced by improving coordination between agencies, incorporating mixed modes of data collection and continuing systematic validation programmes.
Iaith wreiddiolSaesneg
Tudalennau (o-i)230-250
Nifer y tudalennau20
CyfnodolynExperimental Agriculture
Cyfrol55
Rhif y cyfnodolynSpecial Issue 2
Dyddiad ar-lein cynnar18 Rhag 2018
Dynodwyr Gwrthrych Digidol (DOIs)
StatwsCyhoeddwyd - Ebr 2019

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