Experience on Evaluation of Census data quality in Lao PDR

1. Country Presentation: Presented by : Thirakha CHANTHALANOUVONG Workshop on Census Data Evaluation for the South East Asian Countries, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, 14-17 November 2011 Experience on Evaluation of Census data quality in Lao PDR

2. China Myanmar Vietnam L a o P D R Thailand Cambodia

3. Contents Country profile Introduction of Census Overview of Evaluation of Census data Objective and Organization Methods used Main results Challenges Conclusion 3

4. Country Profile • Area : 236,800 Km2 • Population: 6.38 million (2011) • Population Growth Rate (percent): 2.1 • Ethnic Group : 49 • Religion : Buddhism

5. Infant Mortality Rate (per thousand): 70 • Under 5 Mortality Rate (per thousand): 97.6 • Life Expectancy at Birth (year) • Female : 63 • Male : 59 • Fertility • CBR (per thousand) : 34.7 • TFR : 4.5

6. Adult Literacy Rate (percent) Female : 63.2 Male : 82.5 Per capita GDP(US$) : 1 087 6

7. Introduction of Census Periodicity: The Government of the Lao PDR is following the UN recommendation to take the Population Census in every 10 years. The latest Census was conducted in 2005, continued from last two Censuses in 1985 and 1995. 7

8. Introduction of Census Methodology: Those three Censuses were conducted on a de jure basis. This means that only Lao citizens or people with a permanent residence permit were counted. In addition the people were enumerated in the village they are registered. A person temporary away from the home village was enumerated there, unless he/she had been away longer than 6 months. Laotians temporarily abroad such as Government officials, both civilian and military, including Lao diplomatic personnel, and their family stationed abroad were counted through the Ministry of Foreign Affaires. Civilian nationals of foreign countries who stay in Lao P.D.R without being Lao citizens or without being granted permanent residence permit were excluded from enumeration (for example foreign military and diplomatic personnel and their families stationed inLaos). 8

9. Introduction of Census Census topics: The questionnaire consists of 9 topics: A Identification: province, district, village, enumeration area and household identity. B Individual information on all household members (B1-B10). C Education attainment of household members aged 6 years and above (C11-C14). D Labour force characteristics of household members aged 10 years and above (D15-D17). 9

10. Introduction of Census Census topics: E Fertility characteristics of women aged 15-49 years (E18-E20). F Deaths in household in the last 12 months (D21). G Household members who moved in to or moved out from the household during the last 12 months (G22-G23). H Characteristics of disabilities in household (H24). I Housing characteristics (I25-I34). J Total number of people in the household by sex (J35). 10

11. Overview of Evaluation of Census data Objective: To provide up to date information at national, provincial, district and village level; To form a link in the time series of Censuses and To monitor goals set in the Sixth Socio Economic Development Plan. The long term objective is to provide the government with information and data for social and economic planning and monitoring on all regional levels in the country. The Census is also expected to lay the base for a vital registration system closely linked to the existing Village book system and will provide a sampling frame for future surveys. 11

12. Overview of Evaluation of Census data Organization: 3 level of Administrative Organization Central, Census Central Steering Committee (CCSC), with the Central Census Office (CCO) at DoS as Secretariat Provincial, Central Provincial Steering Committee (CPSC) with Provincial Census Office (PCO) as Secretariat District, Central District Steering Committee (CDSC) with District Census Office (DCO) as Secretariat 12

13. Overview of Evaluation of Census data Census Operational Chart 13

14. Overview of Evaluation of Census data Methods used: Demographic Analysis: One of main Census analysis, there was a calculation of specific measures (rates): mortality, fertility. For this job the external consultants were hired. In addition, projection population were carried out up to 2020. 14

15. Overview of Evaluation of Census data Methods used: Post enumeration survey: There was no post enumeration survey since DoS lacked of fund to implement such activity. 15

16. Overview of Evaluation of Census data Main results: The Census results were presented at national and provincial levels. For the provincial level, each province has its own reports which were developed and published by DoS. 16

17. Overview of Evaluation of Census data Main results: There was a comparison between two censuses, 1995 and 2005. The census results are used as national official figures, and they are put into the database system such as LaoInfo 5.0. Some other international agencies might have the estimated figures (MMR by UN and WHO), which cause the difficulty in convincing the government. 17

18. Overview of Evaluation of Census data Challenges: Software and hardware suppliers should ideally have service providers based in the country to avoid major delays if equipment breaks down When operating scanners, skilled IT personnel is essential, a consultant or staff member with the necessary technical knowledge and experience should be available for problem solving and supervision. 18

19. Overview of Evaluation of Census data Challenges:Processing constrains Poor hand writing of the enumerator. Poor quality of pencils (some). Quality of questionnaire paper (oily), since there was only one printing shop able to print for the Census purpose. Preparation for scanning did not respect to the rule properly. Scanner PC often “hang”, no solution presented by Read soft Company. 19

20. Overview of Evaluation of Census data Challenges:Processing constrains Hardware problems. Most problems occurred were solved by consultant from Malaysia, the consultant from the nearest agency couldn’t solve the problem. The service of the E&H system during interpretation and transfer of data should run automatically but the service hanged everyday and needed to be restarted daily. 20

21. Overview of Evaluation of Census data Challenges:Processing constrains After data were transferred to the database it was found that E&H produced duplicate rows during transfer. Many duplicate of data and image name, because of few problems are stated above: scanner PC hangs, bad interpretation or bad verification, bad instruction 21

22. Overview of Evaluation of Census data Challenges:Census results constrains Under reporting number of births. Lack of skills staff and subject matter specialists in data processing and analysis. 22

23. Conclusion The 2005 census in Lao PDR was successfully completed. The support of the Government of Lao PDR was an absolute precondition for a good outcome and DoS should be commemorated for the organization, successful data processing, analysis and dissemination of results to the public. 23

24. Conclusion As with any undertaking if the magnitude problems were encountered, but they all mitigated and solved. The support of Sida and statistics Sweden was essential and Statistics Sweden provided real capacity building and not just technical assistance. This has enabled DoS staff to undertake major surveys on their own. 24

25. Conclusion The Government of the Lao PDR is following the UN recommendation to take the Population Census in every 10 years. It is about 4 years to the next Census, but it is a challenge work. Since it is not easy to find and mobilize the financial and technical assistance. However, Lao government needs external support for such big census due to weak capacity in providing large amount. 25

26. Thank You