A Critical Appraisal of Census Costs

Mr Iqbal AlamUnited Nations Statistics Division

Introduction

Census-taking has a long history

Most costly and elaborate data collection activity that governments’ undertake

Involves numerous agencies of government, private sector and NGOs at various administrative levels

Only statistical activity where every household in country participates

Main Census Cost Components

Census mapping

House numbering and household listings

Publicity

Staff recruitment and enumeration

Data processing, coding and data capture

Weighing Census Costs

Cost-reducing strategies should not compromise quality of information being collected

With rising census costs, often on account of growing populations, countries have to carefully weigh costs and benefits of their approaches at every stage

Essential for good planning when formulating initial census budget

Streamlined Census Questionnaire

Minimum number of basic topicsWhether users’ needs can be met from other

sourcesTopics well tested, easily asked and readily

answered

Exclude topics which do not need to be analyzed at

Subgroup levelDisaggregated geographical level

Sampling in Data Collection

At time of enumeration • For reducing field, training and processing costs and

enhancing data quality• Lessens burden of response for households not

included in sample• Leads to improvements in quality of information

collected

Great care needed in deciding upon appropriate sampling designClear instructions for implementation and supervision

Sampling in Data Processing

At the time of processing•For getting tabulations as quickly as possible•For reducing data entry time, particularly of coding, data capture and editing•Improving data quality•Avoids many of operational difficulties of field sampling

Release of sample results should not lower priority for full and timely processing

Training of Field Staff

Recruitment, training and management of census supervisors and enumerators is• Most expensive part of census operation• Requires very careful planning and

consideration• Differing approaches to training will be

required with different cost implications

Data Processing

Information technology – continuing evolution in census processing methods

Use of new technology – maybe cost reducing strategy but requires knowledge of developments in computer technology

Selection of inappropriate equipment can lead to even a higher costs

Approaches to Reducing Costs

A well designed census questionnaire

Editing specifications that produce clean master data files - avoiding reprocessing

Fewer and less complicated census tables for general release – electronic availability of data in compiled and record format

Supplies and equipment maintenance capability available in country

Conclusion

A well-planned and well-designed census pre-requisite for cost-effectiveness

If census costs not contained future of censuses will be in doubt

Need to consider cost saving measures beyond census sampling

Need to mobilze all stakeholders to share census costs

Learning from experiences and building on good practices a recipe for success