IITA Research Guide 31

Tips for planning formal farm surveys in developing countries
Douglas Horton

July 1997 




Abstract. Formal surveys are powerful tools in gathering information from farmers in order to arrive at wise decisions in the implementation of agricultural development projects. However, formal surveys must be used with common sense and a dedication to clear focus by gathering only useful data. The temptation to construct long, awkward questionnaires involving interesting but essentially irrelevant questions must be avoided. Above all, however, we should demand that the survey yields information that will help us solve farmers' problems.

 

Objectives, Study materials, Practicals
Questions
 

1
Why plan?

2
Who will use the results?

3
Is a formal survey needed?

4
What should the survey accomplish?

5
What specific information should be gathered?

6
What type of survey should be used?

7
What should the questionnaire look like?

8
Who should be interviewed?

9
How should field work be organized?
10 How should data be analyzed?
11 How should results be presented?
12 Bibliography
13 Suggestions for trainers
   
Credits

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