The best of both worlds: Producing national statistics using participatory methods

Barahona, C. and Levy, S. (2007) The best of both worlds: Producing national statistics using participatory methods. World Development, 35 (2). pp. 326-341. ISSN 0305-750X doi: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2006.10.006

Abstract/Summary

This paper presents our experience with combining statistical principles and participatory methods to generate national statistics. The methodology was developed in Malawi during 1999–2002. We demonstrate that if PRA is combined with statistical principles (including probability-based sampling and standardization), it can produce total population statistics and estimates of the proportion of households with certain characteristics (e.g., poverty). It can also provide quantitative data on complex issues of national importance such as poverty targeting. This approach is distinct from previous PRA-based approaches, which generate numbers at community level but only provide qualitative information at national level.