This chapter contains recommended items for inclusion in the census of agriculture according to their suitability for the core and supplementary modules. The supplementary items are presented under 12 headings or themes, corresponding to areas of interest for the census supplementary modules. The reference group for each theme is shown, along with cross-references to the concepts and definitions in Chapter 11.
4.1. This chapter lists the recommended items for the census of agriculture. The list has been prepared by FAO based on experiences of countries with previous agricultural censuses, taking into account agricultural issues and problems faced by countries. The chapter relates only to the core and supplementary modules; items for the community survey are shown in Chapter 5
4.2. As discussed in Chapter 1, agricultural censuses for the 2010 round are to be carried out using a modular approach, with a core census module based on complete enumeration to provide key data, and one or more census supplementary modules to cover more in-depth topics. In this chapter, items are presented under two headings: (i) items recommended for inclusion by all countries in the core census module; and (ii) items to be considered by countries for inclusion in the census supplementary modules. The supplementary items are presented under 12 headings or themes. For information on how countries will choose items for inclusion in their agricultural census, see paragraphs 3.16–3.21
4.3. A guide to interpreting the list of items is shown in Figure 4.1. For the supplementary modules, the scope of each theme is shown in parenthesis under each heading. For example, the scope of a land supplementary module (Theme 01) would be “holdings with land”, as identified from Item 0008 in the core module. References to the applicable concepts and definitions in Chapter 11 are shown in parenthesis after each item. Items that are new or substantially modified are also highlighted
Figure 4.1: Guide to the list of agricultural census items
| 0001 | Identification and location of agricultural holding (see paragraphs 11.4–11.6). | |
| 0002+ | Legal status of agricultural holder (see paragraphs 11.7–11.10). | |
| 0003 | Sex of agricultural holder (see paragraphs 11.11–11.13). | |
| 0004 | Age of agricultural holder (see paragraphs 11.14–11.16). | |
| 0005 | Household size (see paragraphs 11.206–11.209). | |
| 0006 | Main purpose of production of the holding (see paragraphs 11.173–11.175). | |
| 0007 | Area of holding according to land use types (see paragraphs 11.20–11.39). | |
| 0008 | Total area of holding (see paragraphs 11.40–11.45). | |
| 0009 | Land tenure types on the holding (see paragraphs 11.46–11.52). | |
| 0010 | Presence of irrigation on the holding (see paragraphs 11.68–11.72). | |
| 0011 | Types of temporary crops on the holding (see paragraphs 11.91–11.94). | |
| 0012 | Types of permanent crops on the holding and whether in compact plantations (see paragraphs 11.95–11.98). | |
| 0013 | Number of animals on the holding for each livestock type (see paragraphs 11.148–11.152). | |
| 0014 | Presence of aquaculture on the holding (see paragraphs 11.292–11.296). | |
| 0015+ | Presence of forest and other wooded land on the holding (see paragraphs 11.312–11.313). | |
| 0016 | Other economic production activities of the holding's enterprise (see paragraphs 11.17–11.19). |
Theme 01 - Land
(Reference group: holdings with land in Item 0008)
For each parcel
| 0101 | Location (see paragraphs 11.53–11.55). |
| 0102 | Area (see paragraph 11.56). |
| 0103 | Land tenure (see paragraphs 11.57–11.58). |
| 0104 | (For rented parcels) Terms of rental (see paragraph 11.59). |
| 0105 | Presence of shifting cultivation (see paragraph 11.60–11.61). |
| 0106+ | Number of years since cleared (see paragraphs 11.62–11.63). |
For the holding
| 0111+ | Presence of soil degradation: type and degree (see paragraphs 11.64–11.67). |
Theme 02 - Irrigation and water management
(Reference groups: Items 0201–0205 - holdings with irrigation in Item 0010; Item 0206 - holdings with temporary crops or permanent crops in Items 0011 and 0012; Item 0207 - holdings with land in Item 0008).
For the holding
| 0201+ | Area of land irrigated according to land use type (see paragraphs 11.73–11.75). |
| 0202+ | Area irrigated according to method of irrigation (see paragraphs 11.76–11.79). |
| 0203+ | Area irrigated for each crop type (see paragraphs 11.80–11.81). |
| 0204+ | Sources of irrigation water (see paragraphs 11.82–11.83). |
| 0205+ | Payment terms for irrigation water (see paragraph 11.84). |
| 0206+ | Other types of water management practices (see paragraphs 11.85–11.88). |
| 0207 | Presence of drainage equipment (see paragraphs 11.89–11.90). |
Theme 03 - Crops
(Reference groups: Items 0301–0303 - holdings with temporary crops in Item 0011; Items 0311–0314 - holdings with permanent crops in Item 0012; Items 0321–0327 - holdings with temporary crops or permanent crops in Items 0011 and 0012).
For each temporary crop type
| 0301 | Area of temporary crops harvested (see paragraphs 11.99–11.111). |
| 0302+ | (For selected crop types) Area of temporary crops harvested according to end-use (see paragraphs 11.112–11.114). |
| 0303+ | (For selected crop types) Production of temporary crops harvested (see paragraphs 11.115–11.116). |
For each permanent crop type
| 0311 | Area of productive and non-productive permanent crops in compact plantations (see paragraphs 11.117–11.121). |
| 0312 | (For tree crops) Number of permanent crop trees in compact plantations and scattered plantings (see paragraphs 11.122–11.123). |
| 0313+ | (For selected crop types) Area of productive permanent crops in compact plantations according to end-use (see paragraphs 11.124–11.125). |
| 0314+ | (For selected crop types) Production of permanent crops (see paragraph 11.126). |
For the holding
| 0321+ | Area of land used to grow temporary crops as a secondary land use (see paragraphs 11.127–11.129). |
| 0322 | Use of each type of fertilizer (see paragraphs 11.130–11.137). |
| 0323+ | Area fertilized for each type of fertilizer and major crop type (see paragraph 11.138). |
| 0324+ | Source of seed inputs for each major crop type (see paragraphs 11.139–11.140). |
| 0325+ | Type of seed for each major crop type (see paragraphs 11.141–11.143). |
| 0326+ | Area of nurseries (see paragraphs 11.144–11.145). |
| 0327 | Area of cropped land under protective cover (see paragraphs 11.146–11.147). |
Theme 04 - Livestock
(Reference group: holdings with livestock in Item 0013)
For the holding
| 0401 | Type of livestock production system (see paragraphs 11.153–11.155). |
| 0402+ | Use of veterinary services (see paragraphs 11.156–11.157). |
For each livestock type
| 0411 | Number of animals: age and sex (see paragraphs 11.158–11.160). | |
| 0412 | Number of animals according to purpose (see paragraphs 11.161–11.162). | |
| 0413+ | Number of milking animals according to milk status (see paragraph 11.163). | |
| 0414+ | Number of animals born (see paragraph 11.166). | |
| 0415+ | Number of animals acquired (see paragraph 11.167). | |
| 0416+ | Number of animals slaughtered (see paragraph 11.168). | |
| 0417+ | Number of animals disposed of (see paragraph 11.169). | |
| 0418+ | Number of animals died from natural causes (see paragraph 11.170). | |
| 0419+ | Types of feed (see paragraphs 11.171–11.172). |
Theme 05 - Agricultural practices
(Reference group: all holdings)
For the holding
| 0501+ | Use of agricultural chemicals (see paragraphs 11.176–11.177). |
| 0502+ | Use of good agricultural practices (see paragraphs 11.178–11.179). |
| 0503+ | Use of organic agricultural practices (see paragraphs 11.180–11.182). |
| 0504+ | Use of genetically modified crops according to crop type (see paragraph 11.183). |
| 0505 | Selected machinery and equipment used on the holding according to source (see paragraphs 11.184–11.186). |
| 0506 | Non-residential buildings according to use (see paragraphs 11.187) |
| 0507+ | Percentage of each major agricultural product sold (see paragraph 11.188). |
Theme 06 - Agricultural services
(Reference group: holdings in sector “single-holding household” in Item 0002)
For the holding
| 0601+ | Receipt of credit for agricultural purposes (see paragraphs 11.189–11.191). | |
| 0602+ | Source of credit (see paragraph 11.192). | |
| 0603+ | Type of collateral for credit (see paragraphs 11.193–11.194). | |
| 0604+ | Period of loan or credit (see paragraph 11.195). | |
| 0605+ | Sources of agricultural information (see paragraphs 11.196–11.197). | |
| 0606+ | Sources of agricultural extension services (see paragraphs 11.198–11.202). | |
| 0607+ | Travelling time to nearest periodic or permanent agricultural produce market (see paragraphs 11.203–11.205). |
Theme 07 - Demographic and social characteristics
(Reference group: holdings in sector “single-holding household” in Item 0002)
For the holding
| 0701+ | Whether holding is part of an agricultural household (see paragraphs 11.210–11.214). |
| 0702+ | National/ethnic group of household head or agricultural holder (see paragraphs 11.215–11.216). |
For each household member
| 0711 | Sex. |
| 0712 | Age (see paragraph 11.217). |
| 0713+ | Relationship to household head or other reference person (see paragraphs 11.218–11.220). |
| 0714 | Marital status (see paragraphs 11.221–11.223). |
| 0715 | Educational attainment (see paragraphs 11.224–11.225). |
Theme 08 - Farm labour
(Reference group: Items 0801–0814 - holdings in sector “single-holding household” in Item 0002; Items 0821–0823 - all holdings)
For each household member of working age
| 0801+ | Activity status (see paragraphs 11.234–11.240). |
For each economically active household member
| 0811+ | Status in employment of main job (see paragraphs 11.241–11.246). |
| 0812 | Occupation of main job (see paragraphs 11.247–11.252). |
| 0813+ | Time worked in main job (see paragraphs 11.253–11.258). |
| 0814+ | Time worked on the holding (see paragraphs 11.253–11.258). |
For the holding
| 0821 | Number of employees on the holding: time worked and sex (see paragraphs 11.259–11.264). |
| 0822+ | Form of payment for employees (see paragraph 11.265). |
| 0823+ | Use of contractors for work on the holding according to type (see paragraphs 11.266–11.268). |
Theme 09 - Household food security
(Reference group: holdings in sector “single-holding household” in Item 0002)
For the household
| 0901+ | (a) | Whether household members could not afford to eat what they normally eat at any time during a twelve-month reference period. |
| (b) | Months in which food shortage occurred. | |
| (c) | Reasons for food shortage. | |
| (d) | How the household's eating patterns were affected by food shortage. | |
| (e) | Steps taken to alleviate food shortage. | |
| (see paragraphs 11.275–11.280). | ||
| 0902+ | Whether the household fears a food shortage during a future twelve-month reference period (see paragraphs 11.281–11.282). | |
| 0903+ | Frequency of normally eating selected food products (see paragraphs 11.283–11.284). | |
| 0904+ | Effects of natural disasters (see paragraphs 11.285–11.287). | |
| 0905+ | Extent of loss of agricultural output due to natural disasters (see paragraphs 11.288–11.289). | |
For children aged under 5 years
| 0911+ | Height and weight (see paragraphs 11.290–11.291). |
Theme 10 - Aquaculture
(Reference group: holdings with aquaculture in Item 0014)
For the holding
| 1001+ | Area of aquaculture according to type of site (see paragraphs 11.297–11.300). |
| 1002+ | Area of aquaculture according to type of production facility (see paragraphs 11.301–11.306). |
| 1003+ | Type of water (see paragraphs 11.307–11.308). |
| 1004+ | Sources of water for aquaculture (see paragraph 11.309). |
| 1005+ | Type of aquacultural organism cultivated (see paragraphs 11.310–11.311). |
Theme 11 - Forestry
(Reference group: holdings with forest and other wooded land in Item 0015)
For the holding
| 1101 | Area of forest and other wooded land as primary land use (see paragraph 11.314). |
| 1102 | Area of forest and other wooded land as a secondary land use on agricultural land (see paragraph 11.315). |
| 1103+ | Main purpose of forest and other wooded land (see paragraphs 11.316–11.317). |
| 1104+ | Whether agro-forestry is practised (see paragraphs 11.318–11.319). |
Theme 12 - Management of the holding
(Reference group: holdings in sector “single-holding household” in Item 0002)
For each holding
| 1201+ | Identification of sub-holdings (see paragraph 11.320). |
| 1202+ | Identification of sub-holders (see paragraph 11.320). |
For each sub-holding
| 1211+ | Sex of sub-holder (see paragraphs 11.321–11.322). |
| 1212+ | Age of sub-holder (see paragraphs 11.321–11.322). |
| 1213+ | Area of crops managed for each crop group (see paragraphs 11.323–11.328). |
| 1214+ | Number of livestock managed for each livestock group (see paragraphs 11.325–11.328). |
A new element of the 2010 round of agricultural censuses is the collection of community-level data. This chapter outlines the purpose of collecting community-level data and discusses the items suitable for inclusion in the community survey. Some methodological issues are also discussed.
5.1. Past agricultural census programmes have focused on data on the structure of agricultural holdings collected directly from each agricultural holding. These structural data concern matters that are decided upon by the holding, such as what crops to grow and what agricultural inputs to use, and therefore can only be reported by the holding itself, not by public administrations
5.2. However, some types of administrative data are of interest in an agricultural census, especially for decentralized planning, identification of poor villages, planning of targeted area development programmes, and targeting communities for relief operations in case of natural disasters. A community-level data collection, often at the village or the commune level, can be useful for examining the infrastructure and services available to holdings. Data on whether the community is prone to natural disasters or subject to seasonal food shortages can be of interest for food security analysis. A community survey may cover agriculture-related data not able to be collected from holdings, such as the area of communal land. Often, the community-level data complements the holding-level data; for example, community-level data on the existence of farmers' associations may complement data on participation in those associations collected from each agricultural holding. For information on previous work done by FAO on community-level statistics, see Community-level Statistics (FAO, 1983)
5.3. There is a strong demand for community-level data in the agricultural census and, to meet this need, a community-level component has been included in WCA 2010. Countries are encouraged to include this element according to national circumstances and data requirements. Community-level data are of statistical interest for three main reasons
5.4. First, the data are of interest in their own right in analyzing the characteristics of communities. For example, data on the percentage of communities with an agricultural input supplier can be useful in understanding farmers' constraints in the adoption of improved agricultural practices. Population or household characteristics, such as the number of people living in communities prone to natural disasters, can also be estimated
5.5. Second, the data can be useful for analysis in relation to holding-level data. For example, one could tabulate the number of holdings growing particular cash crops against whether or not an agricultural produce market exists in the community, to help understand the way farmers' cropping patterns are influenced by access to markets. Similarly, tabulating the number of holdings participating in farmers' associations in communities where such organizations exist can help to highlight the effectiveness of those organizations
5.6. Third, data from a community survey may be of interest for checking holding-level data collected in the agricultural census. Often, cadastral information is used for this purpose
5.7. One factor in the collection of community-level data in the agricultural census is that it is usually necessary to make contact with the community administration in carrying out the census fieldwork. Sometimes, the community administration is involved in the census data collection itself or the listing of households or holdings. In these circumstances, community-level data can be collected at little cost
5.8. A community can be defined as a self-contained unit of social and economic activities (FAO, 1983). Housing censuses use the similar concept of locality, which is “a distinct population cluster … that has a name or a locally recognized status” (UN, 1998b, paragraphs 2.49–2.51). Under these definitions, the community or locality may not be the same as the lowest administrative unit
5.9. For statistical purposes, the unit chosen for the community survey should take account of operational factors and the circumstances of the country
- Data collected. Often, the data requires that the community maintains certain administrative records, which are usually only available for administrative units, commonly the village or commune. Sometimes, the lowest administrative unit has no substantial administrative function, and the community unit may need to be defined at a higher level
- Cost. The data collection and processing task must be manageable and this may influence whether to collect data at, for example, the commune or village level
- Identifying community units. Most countries maintain lists of community units down to a certain level. Ready access to such information is needed to do a community survey
- Stability of community units. In many countries, changes in administrative units are common and not well-coordinated, making it difficult to carry out a community survey
- Census methodology. If EAs for the census fieldwork are based on the commune unit, for example, it would be easiest to also collect community-level data at that level. Problems may arise if EAs cross locality boundaries
5.10. Deciding on the scope of a community survey is another issue. Normally, countries do not cover all communities in the country as part of the agricultural census, but limit the collection to those communities containing agricultural holdings. This is convenient operationally as field staff need to visit those communities to enumerate the holdings. Covering only rural communities may not be fully satisfactory because some agricultural holdings are in urban areas. Countries should endeavour to cover at least all rural communities
5.11. Community surveys are only applicable in countries with a suitable community-level organization. Sometimes, rural areas are not organized into communities. Even if they are, the communities may not have clear-cut physical boundaries or the community administration may be weak
5.12. Many types of data are of possible interest for the community survey, and it is not possible to make specific recommendations on the community-level items each country should include in its census. Some general guidelines are provided in this section. The content of the community survey should be determined taking into account data needs and the availability of community-level data from other sources
5.13. Countries should make every effort to coordinate community-level data from the different sources. Many countries maintain a community register or database, sometimes based on the population census. Provided a common geographic coding system is used, the agricultural census can be linked with existing community databases, so that there is no need to duplicate data already available. All community-level data collections should be coordinated, so that a series of linked community databases would be available covering specific areas of interest, such as agriculture, health and population. The agricultural census could then focus on just the agriculture-related data
5.14. Other issues to be considered in deciding on the content of the community survey are:
- The community survey should not be used for collecting holding-level data. The holdings themselves grow crops and raise livestock, and these data should be collected directly from holdings, not by asking a community official to provide estimates. For example, the community administration cannot report on how many people are literate, as it has no way of knowing this information. If these data are required, it is better to directly ask households some literacy-related questions. Note that population by age and sex at the national or regional level can be estimated from the holding-level collection, usually more accurately than from community records. This usually applies even if sampling is used
- The collection of data directly from holdings is one of the features that distinguish an agricultural census from the administrative reporting systems used in many countries. The community survey should not be used to provide a quick and easy method of getting data that are better collected directly from holdings
- Communities should not be asked to report the same data as holdings, unless the community-level data are required specifically for checking the data reported by holdings. Even here, it is often better to incorporate those data into the holding-level field system than to provide independent community-based data. For example, enumerators could correct area data reported by holdings by referring to the cadastral records
- Community-level data are only useful if they can be presented in statistical summaries. Emphasis should be given to the tabulation needs in the design of the community survey. More information on tabulation for the community survey is given in paragraphs 12.30–12.37
- The community-level items should be limited to key administrative information or aspects of the community that are well-known to people in the community, such as weather conditions, economic activities, and whether certain services exist
- The number of community-level items should be kept to a minimum, normally, 10–20 items
5.15. A list of possible items for inclusion in the community survey is given below. The list is not exhaustive. Some items may already be available in existing databases and would not need to be collected again in the agricultural census
Geography
| 2101 | Location |
| 2102 | Agro-ecological, climatic, topographical, or soil types |
| 2103 | Land use |
| 2104 | Area of communal grazing land |
| 2105 | Area of communal forest |
| 2106 | Travelling time to the nearest major urban centre (by season, if applicable) |
| 2107 | Whether the community has year-round access to the nearest urban centre by a motorable road |
| 2108 | Whether the community is prone to natural disasters, such as droughts and floods (if applicable) |
Socio-economic conditions
| 2201 | Population according to different population groupings |
| 2202 | Number of households |
| 2203 | Economic status (if applicable) |
| 2204 | Economic activities |
| 2205 | Whether there are seasonal food shortages (if applicable) |
Community infrastructure and services
| 2301 | Presence of a fertilizer dealer; if not, travelling time to the nearest fertilizer trading centre (by season, if applicable) |
| 2302 | Presence of a pesticides dealer; if not, travelling time to the nearest pesticides trading centre (by season, if applicable) |
| 2303 | Presence of a seed dealer; if not, travelling time to the nearest seed trading centre (by season, if applicable) |
| 2304 | Presence of a credit institution; if not, travelling time to the nearest credit institution (by season, if applicable) |
| 2305 | Presence of irrigation facilities |
| 2306 | Area equipped for irrigation |
| 2307 | Availability of veterinary services; if not, travelling time to the nearest veterinary services (by season, if applicable) |
| 2308 | Presence of a periodic or permanent agricultural produce market; if not, travelling time to the nearest periodic or permanent agricultural produce market (by season, if applicable) |
| 2309 | Existence of agricultural produce collection network |
| 2310 | Presence of food storage facilities. |
| 2311 | Presence of agricultural processing facilities |
| 2312 | Presence of facilities for maintaining agricultural machinery |
| 2313 | Existence of farmers' associations, cooperatives, and other bodies providing support and services to farmers. |
| 2314 | Availability of agricultural extension service |
| 2315 | Whether electricity is connected |
| 2316 | Presence of a primary school; if not, travelling time to the nearest primary school (by season, if applicable) |
| 2317 | Presence of a health facility; if not, travelling time to the nearest health facility (by season, if applicable) |
| 2318 | Presence of radio, telephone, and Internet services |
| 2319 | Availability of public transport: bus, train, boat |
Development programmes
| 2401 | Presence of specific development projects in the community |
5.16. Location (Item 2101) is normally based on a geographic coding system (see paragraphs 11.4–11.6). This item is needed to summarize the data by geographical groupings, to relate the data to holding-level data, and to link community databases
5.17. Agro-ecological, climatic, topographical, or soil types (Item 2102). Countries may have one or more standard groupings of areas, which may reflect different agricultural conditions, climatic conditions, or even living standards and ethnic groups
5.18. Land use (Item 2103) should be compatible with the classification used in the holding-level collection (see paragraphs 11.20–11.39). Land use data at the community level may be shown in more detail, such as showing land under water or identifying different forest types. Land use at the community level provides a comprehensive picture of all land in the community, not just the land operated by holdings as obtained in the holding-level collection
5.19. Area of communal grazing land (Item 2104) and area of communal forest (Item 2105) help to fill in the gaps from the holding-level collection
5.20. Travelling time to the nearest major urban centre (Item 2106). Travelling time data provide a good picture of the isolation of the community, and the effect this has on people's agricultural practices and living standards. Travelling time may differ between seasons, such as during the wet and dry seasons. The related item whether the community has year-round access to the nearest urban centre by a motorable road (Item 2107) helps to highlight the transportation problems faced by people in the community
5.21. Whether the community is prone to natural disasters (Item 2108) is important for countries that face regular crises because of flooding or other natural disasters. This is often a major cause of food insecurity and may influence farmers' agricultural practices
5.22. Population according to population group (Item 2201) can be useful in classifying the community by type, such as according to ethnic group. Population data can also be useful for providing population-based estimates based on the community-level data. Number of households (Item 2202) is used to provide household-based estimates for community-level data
5.23. Economic status (Item 2203). In some countries, each community is assigned an economic status measure, which can be useful to analyse holding-level characteristics in relation to whether the community is “rich” or “poor”
5.24. Main economic activities (Item 2204) should be based on the classification of activities used in Item 0016 of the holding-level collection
5.25. Whether there are seasonal food shortages (Item 2205). This item is suitable for countries where seasonal factors affect food supplies
5.26. Community infrastructure and services (Items 2301–2317). Countries should choose items suited to national conditions. The key for these items is whether people have ready access to specific infrastructure and services in the community itself or in a nearby centre; hence, the travelling time component in many items
5.27. Presence of specific development projects in the community (Item 2401). This item is of interest where specific government or other development programmes are implemented to raise living standards or for agricultural development. These programmes might be administered by the government, non-government organizations, international agencies, or on a bilateral basis. The data provided are of interest to evaluate the benefits of those programmes
5.28. The approach used for the collection of community-level data in the agricultural census will depend on the organization of fieldwork for the collection of holding-level data. The fieldwork for an agricultural census is usually organized by dividing the country into suitable EAs (see paragraphs 3.60–3.61). EAs often correspond with administrative units such as villages, but this may not always be the level at which community-level data are required. Often, administrative units are sub-divided to form suitable sized EA units, making it difficult to coordinate the community-and holding-level collections
5.29. Where the community administration prepares the list of households or holdings for the agricultural census, it may be possible to administer the community questionnaire at the same time. Often, census field staff personally visit each community to obtain the household/holding list, and this can provide a good opportunity to collect the community-level data
5.30. Even if the community administration does not do the household/holding listing, it may be involved in the holding survey operation itself. Often, community officials are used to help locate each household. Sometimes, they help in interviewing households - for example, as translators. In these circumstances, the community questionnaire can be administered at a suitable time
5.31. Consideration should be given to the suitability of collecting community-level data by mail, rather than by interview. The data collected should be simple enough for the community administrations to fill out the questionnaire themselves. Costs may be a factor in this regard
5.32. Sampling methods will usually not be suitable for the community survey. If the core census module is done on a complete enumeration basis, the community survey should be done the same; to do a sample community survey in conjunction with a full enumeration core census of holdings would make it impossible to link holding-level and community-level data in all cases. This would limit the usefulness of the community-level data for census analysis purposes
5.33. However, sampling methods may be suitable where the core module is done on a sample basis. In a typical sample-based core module, a sample of EAs is selected, household/holding lists are prepared for each sample EA, and then a sample of households/holdings is enumerated for the census. The same sample areas could be used for the community survey, on the basis that those EAs not selected in the sample are not contacted at all during the collection of holding-level data and would require a special visit to collect the community-level data. A sample community survey would be suitable for analysing holding-level data in relation to community-level data, as such analysis only requires community-level data from the communities containing the sample holdings. However, the sampling approach may not be suitable for summarizing community-level data
A feature of WCA 2010 is the emphasis on coordinating the census of agriculture with other censuses, especially the population census. This chapter highlights the ways in which this can be done. Attention is given to the use of common definitions and classifications, sharing operational materials, use of the population census as a frame, synchronizing the two data collection operations, collecting additional agricultural data in the population census, and linking data from the two censuses. Coordination with housing and economic censuses is also discussed.
6.1. A population census is one of the most important statistical collections undertaken by a country. It provides the major source of basic information on the population of a country, its geographical distribution, and characteristics such as sex, age, marital status, fertility, education and economic activity. Population censuses enumerate all people in the country to collect these data. Normally, they are undertaken every ten years
6.2. Guidelines for population and housing censuses are issued by the United Nations. The latest guidelines (UN, 1998) provide a set of “basic” topics, covering items included by most countries in their population censuses, such as sex, age, marital status, activity status and education. Some “optional” topics, such as income, are also included. New guidelines for the 2010 round of population and housing censuses are being prepared
6.3. In many developing countries, households and agricultural holdings are closely related, because most agricultural production activities are in the household sector. This provides the opportunity for coordination between the two census activities in ways that can save costs and enhance the usefulness of the agricultural census data. This can take several forms:
- use of common concepts, definitions and classifications (see paragraph 6.8);
- sharing field materials (see paragraphs 6.9–6.10);
- using the population census as a household frame for the agricultural census (see paragraphs 6.11–6.13);
- making use of agriculture-related data from the population census (see paragraphs 6.14–6.17);
- collecting additional agriculture-related data in the population census (see paragraphs 6.18–6.27);
- linking data from the two censuses (see paragraphs 6.28–6.30);
- conducting the two censuses as a joint field operation (see paragraphs 6.31–6.35)
6.4. These are discussed in the following sections. Because population censuses cover households and not enterprises, the relationship between the agricultural and population censuses applies only to the household sector. Separate frames for the non-household based agricultural holdings will need to be complied as a separate exercise
6.5. The primary statistical unit for a population census is the household, whereas for an agricultural census it is the agricultural holding
6.6. For the household sector, the agricultural holding and household units are usually closely related, but there are differences, which can make coordination between the two censuses difficult. Normally, there is only one agricultural holding in a household, but there can be two or more holdings in a household or two or more households operating a holding
6.7. Equating the agricultural holding unit with the household unit is not essential to be able to relate the two census activities. Nevertheless, countries sometimes define the agricultural holding to be equivalent to the household to simplify the agricultural census field procedures. For more information on the concepts of household and holding, see paragraphs 3.22–3.35
6.8. The use of common statistical standards in the agricultural and population censuses ensures that data from the two sources are consistent and comparable, making it easier to analyse and interpret agricultural census data in relation to population census data. Previous agricultural census programmes have given emphasis to ensuring that concepts, definitions and classifications used in the agricultural census accord with international standards and, where applicable, with those used in the population census. This has continued in the 2010 programme, and countries should give special attention to this aspect
6.9. Agricultural censuses are often conducted after the population census and can, therefore, make good use of the various population census field materials. Where an agricultural census is carried out by enumerating EAs (see paragraphs 3.60–3.61), it can be based on the same EA boundaries as used in the population census and make use of maps and other field materials used in the population census. In developing field procedures for the agricultural census, countries should make maximum use of all available field materials from the population census and elsewhere
6.10. A further use of the population census EAs is as a sampling frame for agricultural censuses conducted on a sample basis (see Chapter 10)
6.11. Some countries carry out the household component of the agricultural census using the list of households from the population census as a frame (see paragraph 3.57). This approach has several benefits, especially as it provides the opportunity to link data from the two censuses (see paragraphs 6.28–6.30). However, it can only be done if the agricultural census is carried out soon after the population census; otherwise, the list of households quickly becomes out-of-date and the list needs to be updated
6.12. A common method of conducting an agricultural census core module using a household frame from the population census is:
- Construct the basic frame for the agricultural census from the list of households enumerated in the population census (if the agricultural census is carried out soon after the population census) or updated lists of households in population census EAs (if the agricultural census is carried out some time after the population census)
- In the agricultural census, ask each household some screening questions to identify households that are in scope of the agricultural census - that is, households with own-account agricultural production activities - and then ask all of these households questions to identify individual agricultural holdings
- Enumerate each agricultural holding for the agricultural census
6.13. Some features of this approach are:
- The list of households from the population census provides a good frame for the agricultural census, even though it only identifies households, not agricultural holdings or even households with own-account agricultural production. For more information, see paragraph 3.59
- The approach clearly distinguishes, in the agricultural census, between data for households and data for agricultural holdings. This is an important element in linking data between the two censuses (see paragraph 6.30)
- Using this approach, it is easy to widen the scope of the agricultural census to cover, for example, all rural households (see paragraph 8.2)
- Household data from the population census are also useful for constructing a sampling frame for a sample-based core agricultural census (see paragraphs 10.38–10.41)
6.14. In assessing data needs for the agricultural census, consideration should be given to the availability of existing agricultural data from other sources, to avoid duplication in data collection effort. Three items normally included in the population census are of special interest for agricultural analysis:
- Main occupation (see paragraphs 11.247–11.252; UN, 1998, paragraphs 2.12–2.20). This item is collected for each economically active person. It can be used to provide tabulations of persons working in an agricultural occupation. This includes household members of agricultural holdings working in an agricultural occupation (on the household's holding or another holding), as well as persons working as employees in an agricultural occupation
- Main industry. Industry is the activity of the establishment in which the person works in his/her main job (UN, 1998, paragraphs 2.221–2.225). This item is collected for each economically active person, and can be used to provide tabulations of persons working in the agricultural industry. This includes household members of agricultural holdings working in the agricultural industry, as well as persons working as employees in the agricultural industry
- Status in employment (see paragraphs 11.241–11.246; UN, 1998, paragraphs 2.226–2.235). This item refers to whether the person is working as an own-account worker, family worker or employee, and is collected for each economically active person. This is useful for analysing persons with an agricultural main occupation according to whether they are agricultural holders (an “own-account worker”), working on the household's holding (contributing family worker), or in paid agricultural work (employee)
6.15. One weakness in agricultural employment data from the population census is that they are normally collected in respect of a person's main activity during a short reference period, such as a month. This may not identify all persons working in agriculture, because of the seasonality of agricultural activities. Nevertheless, data on occupation combined with status in employment from the population census could be used to help establish a frame for the agricultural census. The following group of households, closely related to agricultural holdings, can be identified:
Households in which any household member has both: (i) an agricultural main occupation; and (ii) status in employment “own-account worker”
6.16. A household satisfying these two conditions could be considered as a household engaged in own-account agricultural production activities. The two conditions relate to the main occupation of household members. This will miss households with own-account agricultural production where no single household member has an agricultural main occupation. This could be significant in some countries
6.17. A frame established in this way would not identify agricultural holdings. This is because there may not always be a one-to-one correspondence between households and holdings (see paragraphs 6.6–6.7). A frame of households with own-account agricultural production may be used for the agricultural census core module in a similar way to the household frame in paragraph 6.12; in particular:
- Construct the agricultural census frame from the list of households with own-account agricultural production from the population census (if the agricultural census is carried out soon after the population census) or updated lists of households with own-account agricultural production in population census EAs (if the agricultural census is carried out some time after the population census)
- In the agricultural census, ask each such household questions on agricultural production management (as well as area of holding and number of livestock, if necessary) to identify each agricultural holding
- Enumerate each agricultural holding for the agricultural census
6.18. A country may consider including additional agriculture-related items in its population census for two main reasons. First, the additional items can provide a wider range of agriculture-related data for the population census analysis. Second, the information can be used to help create the frame for the agricultural census. Note that, for a population census to be useful for agricultural census frame purposes, information from the population census needs to be available quickly. Special field and processing arrangements need to be put in place to provide the frame in time for the agricultural census
6.19. Any additional agriculture-related data in the population census can also be useful for the sample design and selection for a sample-based agricultural census core module; for example, as a size measure for the sampling of EAs using probability proportional to size sampling. The information can also be useful in planning the agricultural census fieldwork; for example, information on the geographical distribution of households with own-account agricultural production can help in organizing enumerator workloads
6.20. It is recommended that highest priority be given to inclusion of additional agriculture-related items in the population census either at the household level or at the individual (person) level. Alternatively, the required household level information can be collected in the pre-census listing or cartographic phase of the population census so as not to overburden the questionnaire. This later approach has the added advantage in that the frame for the census of agriculture can be compiled directly from the listing/cartographic exercise without having to wait for the questionnaire to be processed.
Household data
H1: WHETHER THE HOUSEHOLD IS ENGAGED IN ANY FORM OF OWN-ACCOUNT AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION
- Crop production
- Livestock production
H2: WHETHER THE HOUSEHOLD IS ENGAGED IN ANY FORM OF OWN-ACCOUNT AQUACULTURAL PRODUCTION
Person data
P1: CHARACTERISTICS OF ALL AGRICULTURAL JOBS DURING THE LAST YEAR
P2: CHARACTERISTICS OF ALL AQUACULTURAL JOBS DURING THE LAST YEAR
6.21. Item H1 is of interest for agricultural census frame purposes, as well as being useful for population census analysis. Two multiple-response categories, as shown, would indicate whether the household is engaged in own-account agricultural production in relation to crops or livestock or both crops and livestock. Item H1 is not an easy item to collect in the population census, as it can be difficult for respondents to understand the notion of own-account agricultural production, as opposed to working as an agricultural employee. A series of questions may be needed. Agricultural production refers to activities in ISIC Groups 011, 012 and 013 (see Appendix 1). See paragraph 11.243 for the definition of an own-account worker
6.22. Item H2 is a supplementary item on aquaculture that could be included in the population census if an aquacultural census is to be conducted in conjunction with the agricultural census. The main use of this information would be to provide a frame for the aquacultural census. It would also be useful for population census analysis. Aquacultural production refers to activities in ISIC Class 0502 (see Appendix 1). See paragraph 11.243 for the definition of an own-account worker
6.23. Item P1 covers all agricultural jobs of household members over a longer period, typically a year (see paragraph 6.15), to give a more complete picture of labour inputs provided by household members to the agricultural holding. The information collected is normally limited to occupation and status of employment, but can also include other data such as main and secondary occupations and time worked. Item P1 can provide additional data for agriculture-related analysis of the population census. It can also be used to create a frame of households with own-account agricultural production for the agricultural census. This can be done by identifying the group of households in which any household member has, at some during the year: (i) a job with an agricultural occupation; and (ii) status in employment “own-account worker”. In Item P1, an agricultural job is defined as a job in the agricultural industry as defined by ISIC Groups 011, 012 and 013 (see Appendix 1)
6.24. Item P2 is a supplementary item on aquaculture that could be included in the population census if an aquacultural census is to be conducted in conjunction with the agricultural census. It is analogous to Item P1. An aquacultural job is a job in the aquacultural industry as defined by ISIC Class 0502 (see Appendix 1)
6.25. Note that a population census based frame of the type described in the previous paragraphs, would relate to households with own-account agricultural production, not to agricultural holdings. To identify agricultural holdings in the population census, further additional items on agricultural production management issues would be required. This is usually not feasible in a population census. Another problem with population census based frames is where certain size criteria, such as area of holding or number of livestock, are applied in identifying units to be covered by the agricultural census (see paragraphs 3.9–3.14). Usually, it is not feasible to include further items in the population census to enable the size criteria to be applied. Typically, the population census is used to identify all households with own-account agricultural production, with the conditions needed to identify agricultural holdings applied in the agricultural census questionnaire (see paragraph 6.17)
6.26. In some countries, the population census gives prominence to agriculture and it is possible to include a more detailed range of agriculture-related items. Other items that countries could consider for inclusion in the population census are:
- Total area of holding or area of agricultural land
- Area harvested for each main crop
- Number of each type of livestock
- Time worked on own-account agriculture
6.27. There are always heavy demands on the population census for the whole range of population, social and economic data, and it is often not possible to include additional agriculture-related items. There are constraints on the length of the questionnaire, the types of data collected, and the cost of data collection, as well as timing and operational factors. In developing their population censuses, countries need to determine priorities, taking into account the importance of agriculture to the national economy
6.28. One of the benefits of coordinating the agricultural and population censuses is that it opens up the possibility of linking data between the two collections. Linking data means that a particular household or agricultural holding in the agricultural census is matched to the same unit in the population census, so that data from the population census can be used in the agricultural census tabulation and analysis. For example, size of holding could be tabulated against household composition, income, or other data from the population census. Linking data in this way adds considerable analytical value to data sets from both censuses
6.29. The ability to link data from the two censuses can also save on data collection costs. Normally, various demographic and activity status data are collected in the agricultural census, even though they are also included in the population census, because the data are needed for tabulation purposes. If data from the two censuses could be linked, it would no longer be necessary to collect these data again in the agricultural census. This could affect the following agricultural census items:
Core items
| 0003 | Sex of agricultural holder |
| 0004 | Age of agricultural holder |
| 0005 | Household size |
Supplementary items
| 0701 | National/ethnic group of household head or agricultural holder |
| 0711 | Sex of each household member |
| 0712 | Age of each household member |
| 0713 | Relationship to household head for each household member |
| 0714 | Marital status of each household member |
| 0715 | Educational attainment of each household member |
| 0801 | Activity status of each household member |
| 0811 | Status in employment for each economically active household member |
| 0812 | Occupation of main job for each economically active household member |
6.30. Linking data is a complex statistical process, especially matching units between different statistical collections carried out at different times. The use of different statistical units in the two censuses also creates problems. Agricultural census data can only be linked to the population census through the household unit. Thus, for example, area of holding data from the agricultural census could be related to demographic data from the population census by associating the agricultural holding with a particular household in the agricultural census, and linking that household to the corresponding household in the population census. The possibility of more than one holding in a household also complicates the linking of data
6.31. Some countries conduct the data collection for the population and agricultural censuses as a joint field operation. Normally, each census retains its separate identity and uses its own questionnaire, but field operations are synchronized so that the two data collections can be done at the same time by the same enumerators. Occasionally, the two censuses are merged into one
6.32. A common approach to the field work for a joint population/agricultural census is for the enumerator to:
- Interview each household to collect data for the population census, using the population census questionnaire
- Ask the household a question (or questions) to determine if it is engaged in own-account agricultural production activities
- If it is engaged in own-account agricultural production, collect data for the agricultural census at the same time as, or soon after, the population census, using the agricultural census questionnaire. The questionnaire would include questions to identify each agricultural holding before going on to collect data on the agricultural activities for each holding
6.33. Synchronizing the two census field operations in this way has several benefits:
- By doing the data collection for both censuses in a single field visit, the cost of data collection is reduced
- It facilitates the use of the population census as a frame for the agricultural census, as it eliminates the problem of the population census household lists being out-of-date
- It provides an immediate link between population and agricultural census household-level data. Demographic and economic activity status data required in the agricultural census can be obtained directly from the population census, rather than having to collect the data again as in a normal agricultural census, which results in further savings in data collection costs (see paragraph 6.29). The ability to link data also provides opportunities for wider analysis of both the population and agricultural censuses (see paragraph 6.30)
- Doing the data collection together makes it easy to apply standard concepts and definitions in the two censuses
- There may be organizational benefits in having one enumeration team responsible for data collection in both censuses. Field training would be easier and a higher standard of enumeration work could be expected
6.34. However, there may also be some problems in taking this approach. Countries usually face administrative problems in synchronizing the two census field operations, and special coordination arrangements need to be put in place to successfully carry out the joint operation. This is especially so if different government agencies are responsible for the two censuses. Another problem is that the population and agricultural censuses may need to be conducted at different times because of administrative or operational considerations. Care is also needed in designing field systems to ensure that bringing the two census field operations together does not affect data quality for either census
6.35. Another problem in synchronizing the two censuses is that agricultural holdings in the non-household sector are not covered in the population census. These may need to be enumerated separately. However, sometimes the non-household sector is included in a combined census operation, as follows:
- Enumerators visit each EA to interview each household to collect population census data and, where applicable, agricultural census data
- While in the EA, enumerators identify each agricultural holding in the non-household sector, using information from local sources. Enumerators then enumerate each non-household unit for the agricultural census
6.36. Housing censuses provide information on the characteristics of housing units, such as size, construction materials, and available services (UN, 1998). A housing census is normally conducted in association with a population census, and here, any link between the agricultural and population censuses would also provide a link between the agricultural census and the housing census. This would enable data from the housing census to be used for tabulation and analysis of the agricultural census. Housing conditions often reflect the economic status of a household, and therefore housing data can provide useful indicators of poverty. This can add a valuable new dimension to the agricultural census analysis
6.37. The agricultural census is a component of the overall economic statistics system based on SNA and ISIC (see Appendix 1). Under SNA, all economic activities in a country are divided into industries, such as agriculture, manufacturing, etc. In designing their national statistical systems, countries usually carry out a series of industry-specific economic censuses, or conduct regular economy-wide censuses covering all industries. Under this framework, the agricultural census measures the agricultural industry
6.38. Economic censuses are normally carried out using the “establishment” as the statistical unit (see Appendix 1). The definition of the agricultural holding is compatible with the establishment concept. This opens up the possibility of integrating the agricultural census into the economic census programme. This can take several forms
6.39. Use of common concepts, definitions and classifications. Ensuring that the concepts, definitions and classifications used in the agricultural census are consistent with SNA principles ensures that agricultural census data are consistent with data from other economic censuses and surveys. Countries should give special attention to the use of international statistical standards
6.40. Use of common frames. Often, countries maintain a register of business establishments, including agricultural establishments, for use in economic censuses and surveys. This can provide a good frame for the agricultural census. Often, these registers cover only the non-household sector and are used in the agricultural census to supplement the frame of household units available from the population census. Business registers usually contain certain basic information about each unit, which can be useful for the agricultural census
6.41. Integrating the agricultural census into existing economic censuses. Sometimes, it is possible to incorporate the agricultural census into an existing economy-wide economic census. The modular approach used for the current round of agricultural censuses lends itself well to this approach. One option is to incorporate the core agricultural census module into an existing economic census, with agricultural census supplementary modules carried out, as required, based on the core census module
6.42. Linking data between the agricultural and economic censuses. Coordinating the agricultural and economic censuses could provide the opportunity to link data between the different censuses. Linking data in this situation means that a particular agricultural holding in the agricultural census is matched to the same unit in an economic census, to enable data from the economic census to be used in the agricultural census tabulation and analysis
6.43. It is not possible to give a unique set of recommendations to countries on relating the agricultural census with other censuses. Each country's circumstances are different, and the approach adopted will depend on the timing of the censuses, costs, data collection considerations, organizational arrangements for the censuses, and the existing coordination mechanisms. Particular emphasis should be given to the use of international standard concepts, definitions and classifications. Coordination with the population census should also be given particular attention, especially through sharing operational materials and using the population census as a frame for the agricultural census
6.44. The opportunity for coordinating the various census activities should be actively explored at an early stage in the planning process, and be taken into consideration in developing national statistical plans. Countries should make the necessary administrative arrangements to ensure close collaboration between the census development teams and to ensure that all avenues for coordination are explored
WCA 2010 provides the option to carry out an aquacultural census in conjunction with the census of agriculture. This chapter discusses the main issues to be considered by countries in taking this approach. A proposal for an integrated census of agriculture and aquaculture is presented, based on the modular approach. The use of common concepts and definitions for the two censuses is discussed, and the potential for using a single core questionnaire for the collection of data for both censuses is highlighted.
7.1. Aquaculture has become increasingly important in many countries, and there is a growing demand for data on the structure of the aquacultural production industry. Some countries collect aquacultural data as part of a general fisheries census, covering both capture fisheries and aquaculture. However, there is a strong interest in many countries to link aquaculture with agriculture by carrying out the agricultural and aquacultural censuses together
7.2. Agriculture and aquaculture are seen to be closely related because:
- Aquaculture involves the raising of fish in captivity or cultivation of aquatic plants, which is analogous to raising of livestock or cultivation of crops under agricultural production
- Aquaculture is often integrated with agricultural production, such as in rice-cum-fish culture
- Aquaculture and agriculture commonly share the same inputs, such as machinery and labour
7.3. Apart from the close links between agriculture and aquaculture, there are other advantages in carrying out a joint agricultural/aquacultural census:
- The cost of data collection for the two censuses is reduced
- It can help to provide a link between agricultural and aquacultural data, enabling a wider analysis of data in both censuses
- It makes it easy to apply standard concepts and definitions in the two censuses
- There would be organizational benefits in having one enumeration team responsible for data collection in both censuses
7.4. In the past, the only aquacultural data included in the agricultural census programme were a few items on aquacultural production carried out by agricultural holdings in association with agricultural production. This covered aquacultural activities integrated with agricultural production, or sharing the same inputs with agricultural production (see paragraph 11.292). Aquacultural data collected in this way have three main limitations:
- Aquaculture carried out independently of agricultural production is not included
- Only limited data on the basic characteristics of aquacultural activities are collected, such as area, type, source of water, and type of organism. Data such as machinery and labour relate specifically to inputs used for agricultural production, which exclude many aquacultural inputs. Also, area of holding may not fully reflect land used for aquaculture
- The statistical unit for an agricultural census is the agricultural holding, whereas aquacultural data should relate to the economic unit of aquacultural production
7.5. WCA 2010, like the previous programmes, covers only agricultural production units, with aquacultural data limited to activities associated with agriculture. However, for the first time, WCA 2010 provides the option to conduct an aquacultural census at the same time as the agricultural census to cover all aquacultural production. Countries are strongly urged to take this option if aquaculture is an important economic activity
7.6. It is not possible, in this document, to fully describe the concepts, definitions and methodology for aquacultural censuses. This chapter focuses on the main issues to be considered by countries in carrying out the two censuses together, with particular reference to the use of the modular approach. More information on the collection of aquacultural statistics may be found in Guidelines on the Collection of Structural Aquaculture Statistics (FAO, 1997b)
7.7. According to ISIC (Rev. 3.1), agriculture and aquaculture are separate economic activities. Aquacultural production represents activities under ISIC Class 0502, whereas agricultural production is covered under the three ISIC Groups: 011, 012 and 013 (UN, 2004b). An aquacultural census therefore covers economic units in ISIC Class 0502, whereas an agricultural census covers economic units in ISIC Groups 011, 012 and 013. Statistically, the two censuses are separate, but operationally, they can often be combined into a single field enumeration system. Such a joint census is referred to as a census of agriculture and aquaculture
7.8. Aquaculture is the farming of aquatic organisms such as fish, crustaceans, molluscs and plants, as opposed to other forms of aquatic exploitation such as capture fisheries. For more information on the definition of aquaculture, see paragraphs 11.292–11.295. A clear distinction is made between aquaculture and capture fisheries. Data on capture fisheries are rarely collected along with an agricultural census because it is analogous to hunting and gathering, which is usually out of scope of the agricultural census
7.9. The statistical unit for the aquacultural census is the aquacultural holding, defined in a similar way to an agricultural holding as follows:
“An aquacultural holding is an economic unit of aquacultural production under single management, comprising all aquaculture facilities without regard to title, legal form, or size. Single management may be exercised by an individual or household, jointly by two or more individuals or households, by a clan or tribe, or by a juridical person such as a corporation, cooperative or government agency. The aquacultural holding's aquaculture facilities are located in one or more separate areas or in one or more territorial or administrative divisions, providing the facilities share the same production means, such as labour, buildings and machinery.”
7.10. Agricultural holdings and aquacultural holdings are distinct establishment units operating in different industries under the SNA/ISIC framework (see Appendix 1). However, they may be closely related in that they may be part of the same enterprise; for example, a household may contain both an agricultural holding and an aquacultural holding. An agricultural holding and an aquacultural holding may also share the same inputs such as land, machinery and labour; for example, as in rice-cum-fish culture
7.11. An agricultural holding may have some own-account aquacultural production as a secondary activity. However, this should be small-scale compared with the agricultural holding's principal agricultural production activity. If aquaculture is as important, or nearly as important, as the agricultural production activity, two units should be formed: an agricultural holding and an aquacultural holding. The same situation applies to an aquacultural holding also engaged in own-account agricultural production activities
7.12. It is recommended that aquacultural censuses use the same modular approach as for agricultural censuses, with the core module providing a limited set of key data on the structure of aquacultural holdings and a sample-based supplementary module providing more detailed structural data. This approach offers a cost-effective way of producing a wide range of aquacultural data
7.13. The agricultural census core items relate to basic structural data, such as household size and land use, and these should also be included in the aquacultural census. It is recommended that one additional aquaculture-related item - area of aquaculture by type of site - be included in the core aquacultural census module (see paragraph 7.20). The use of a common set of core items for the agricultural and aquacultural censuses may make it possible to conduct the core modules of the two censuses using the same questionnaire
7.14. The sample-based supplementary module should include the same aquacultural items as under Theme 10 of the agricultural census (see paragraphs 11.297–11.311). A typical aquacultural module would also items from other themes such as crops and economic activity of household members
7.15. This section presents a broad outline of the methodology for the joint census of agriculture and aquaculture and discusses the implications for the item definitions of combining the two census operations. Information on tabulations for a census of agriculture and aquaculture is given in Chapter 12
7.16. The frame for the core modules of the census of agriculture and aquaculture can be created in various ways:
- Use a frame of households from the population census to provide the basis for identifying agricultural holdings and aquacultural holdings in the household sector in the census of agriculture and aquaculture
- Include additional questions in the population census to identify households engaged in own-account agricultural production and/or own-account aquacultural production
- Develop a frame of agricultural and/or aquacultural holdings from administrative sources, such as business registrations. This may be applicable for the non-household sector
7.17. Usually, a combination of frames is used for a census of agriculture and aquaculture. The methodology used for the joint census will depend on the type of frame. If the frame for the household sector is based on households from the population census, the core modules would be conducted as follows:
- Construct the basic frame of households for the census of agriculture and aquaculture from the list of households enumerated in the population census (if the census of agriculture and aquaculture is carried out soon after the population census) or updated lists of households in population census EAs (if the census of agriculture and aquaculture is carried out some time after the population census)
- In the census of agriculture and aquaculture, ask each household some screening questions to identify households that are involved in crop, livestock or aquacultural production activities. Use this information to identify all agricultural holdings and all aquacultural holdings
- Enumerate all agricultural holdings and aquacultural holdings to collect the core data for the census of agriculture and aquaculture
7.18. An important element in integrating the agricultural and aquacultural censuses is the use of common items, concepts and definitions for the two censuses. Minor changes are needed to make some items applicable to both agricultural holdings and aquacultural holdings. For example, the “agricultural holder” in Items 0003 and 0004 could be renamed the “holder”, to describe the main decision-maker for either an agricultural holding or an aquacultural holding. Also, Item 0006 (main purpose of production) would need to be amended for the aquacultural census to cover income from aquacultural production
7.19. More substantial changes may be needed for Item 0007 (area of holding according to land use types) and Item 0008 (area of holding). Area of holding in an agricultural census excludes bodies of water used for aquaculture but not owned by the holding, such as seawater (see paragraph 11.44). This is of special interest in an aquacultural census, and the definition of area of holding should be modified for a census of agriculture and aquaculture. For the purposes of measuring area of holding in the census of agriculture and aquaculture, the area of a body of water should be defined as the surface area of the water body. Also, bodies of water should be separately identified under “Other land” in the land use classification
7.20. It is recommended that one additional aquaculture-related item be included in the core module of the aquacultural census. This item is the same as supplementary Item 1001 (see paragraphs 11.297–11.300)
0017 AREA OF AQUACULTURE BY TYPE OF SITE (for the holding)
- Land-based
- Inland open water
- Coastal and sea water
7.21. Census supplementary modules for the census of agriculture and aquaculture should be based on frames provided by the core modules. The supplementary modules could be surveys of agricultural holdings, aquacultural holdings, or both agricultural holdings and aquacultural holdings. For example, an aquacultural module would be based on a frame of aquacultural holdings, whereas a household food security module might cover both agricultural holdings and aquacultural holdings
7.22. The supplementary items listed in Chapter 4 should provide the basis for designing the supplementary modules for the census of agriculture and aquaculture. Aquacultural items should be the same as in a standard agricultural census, except for Item 1001, which is recommended for inclusion in the core module. For other supplementary items, the concepts and definitions depend on the scope of the supplementary module. For a module that covers specific agricultural holdings only, the concepts and definitions given in Chapter 11 would be applicable. However, for a module covering aquacultural holdings, some changes would be needed:
- Theme 01: Land. If the definition of area of holding is changed to include bodies of water, additional aquacultural parcels would need to be defined. Parcels could consist of bodies of water. Special procedures would be needed for Item 0101 (location of parcel) where a parcel is not located in an administrative division, but in the sea. Item 0105 (presence of shifting cultivation) and Item 0106 (years since land cleared) would not be applicable to parcels consisting of bodies of water
- Theme 02: Irrigation and water management. In a standard agricultural census, the concept of irrigation refers to providing land with water to improve crop production. This concept may be widened to also include the provision of water for aquaculture
- Theme 05: Agricultural practices. As it stands, this category of items refers only to practices used for crop and livestock production. This would need to be expanded to cover aquaculture. Item 0505 should include machinery and equipment used for aquacultural production. Some additional practices specific to aquaculture may also be included
- Theme 06: Agricultural services. These items should also cover services for aquaculture. Items 0601–0604, relating to the use of credit facilities, should include credit for aquacultural purposes. Items 0605–0606, relating to sources of information and extension services, would also need to cover services for aquaculture
- Theme 07: Farm labour. Item 0814, relating to work on the holding, should include work in connection with aquaculture. Items 0821 and 0822, relating to employees on the holding, should include labour used for aquacultural production. Item 0823, relating to contract work on the holding, should also include work for aquacultural production
7.23. The need for data specific to agricultural holdings or to aquacultural holdings should also be considered in developing census supplementary modules. For example, in an agricultural/aquacultural practices module, separate data may be needed on machinery used for: (i) only agriculture; (ii) only aquaculture; and (iii) both agriculture and aquaculture. Questionnaires need to be carefully designed to ensure that those needs can be met
7.24. The sub-holding and sub-holder concepts may also need to be reviewed for a census of agriculture and aquaculture. A sub-holding is normally defined on the basis of an own-account agricultural production activity managed by a particular person (see paragraph 3.44). This may need to be widened to cover both agricultural and aquacultural activities
Chapters 1–7 focus on traditional agricultural censuses, covering economic units (agricultural holdings) engaged in crop and livestock production activities. Some countries might like to obtain additional agricultural data for other households, such as for households living in rural areas or households whose members are working in the agricultural industry. This chapter discusses issues to be considered by countries requiring such additional data from their agricultural censuses. The use of the population census or existing surveys as a possible source for these data is also examined.
8.1. Agricultural censuses, as presented in earlier chapters, aim to measure the structure of crop and livestock production activities carried out by agricultural holdings. Some countries might like to use the agricultural census to also collect additional data on households that are not agricultural holdings
8.2. Often, in an agricultural census, it is necessary to interview each household to identify agricultural holdings, before going on to collect the required agriculture-related data from each holding. This especially applies where the agricultural census frame is obtained from the population census household lists (see paragraph 3.59). Because all households need to be interviewed in any case, it can be cheap and easy to collect additional data for all households. Some countries might be interested in providing data specifically for households that are involved in agriculture in some way, such as households living in rural areas or households whose members are working in agriculture
8.3. Agricultural censuses are normally concerned with aspects of agricultural production activities, such as farm size, crops grown, number of livestock, and use of farm machinery. These data are not relevant to households that are not agricultural holdings because such households do not grow crops or raise livestock. The main interest in these households would centre on socio-economic data, such as demographic and economic activity data. Such data are usually better obtained from a population census
8.4. A population census provides a wide range of data on the characteristics of the population, such as sex, age, activity status, status in employment, occupation and industry. Sometimes, income data are also provided. The target group of interest for the additional data can also usually be identified. For example, a population census distinguishes between urban and rural households, which enables tabulations of population census data specific to rural households to be prepared. Occupation data from a population census can also be used to prepare tabulations specific to persons working in agriculture
8.5. It is recommended that consideration first be given to meeting additional data needs of this type through the population census, rather than the agricultural census. As noted in Chapter 6, the agricultural census development team should work closely with the population census development team to coordinate the two activities and find the best way to satisfy data needs. Often, the additional data needs can be met directly from the population census; sometimes, minor changes can be made to the population census to meet the additional needs
8.6. Sometimes, the additional data needs can be only partly met from the population census. For example, the population census may provide basic demographic and activity status data, but more detailed data such as work in all jobs, type of agricultural work done, or time worked may be required. Data not normally covered in a population census, such as household food security or household income, may also be needed. Rather than collecting these data as part of a wider agricultural census, it is usually better to carry out a separate survey based on a sampling frame from the population census. Again, the need to coordinate work on the two census activities is paramount
8.7. Often, other national household surveys can be used to meet the additional agricultural data needs. Many countries carry out regular employment and demographic surveys. The Living Standards Measurement Surveys (LSMS) often include an agricultural component. Using an existing survey to meet additional agricultural data needs is cheaper and also provides the opportunity for more analysis than from a standalone survey. For example, an LSMS provides a vast array of data on various social and economic topics, such as income and expenditure, which could be useful in analyzing the agricultural data
8.8. Usually, countries are able to satisfy most additional agricultural data needs directly from the population census, from an existing survey, or through a special survey. Only rarely should there be a need to widen the agricultural census beyond the collection of data on agricultural production activities
8.9. The scope of a wider agricultural census depends on the data requirements. Some countries may wish to cover all households. More commonly, interest centres on households involved in agriculture in some way. This may be defined in various ways
8.10. Some countries may wish to carry out a census of rural households. Rural households are defined in terms of households living in areas designated as rural areas, usually based on the population census. There are no standard criteria for classifying areas as urban or rural. Often, it is based on population density; for example, a rural community could be defined as one with population density less than 150 inhabitants/square kilometre. Sometimes, data on the percent of economically active population employed in agriculture can be used. Ideally, the urban/rural split is provided at the level of the smallest administrative unit of the country, such as the village (UN, 1998, pp. 2.52–2.59; UNECE et al., 2005, Chapter II.1). Note that a census of rural households, on its own, would not cover all agricultural holdings; some households living in urban areas have crop and livestock production activities
8.11. Another type of wider agricultural census is one that covers all households containing at least one member employed in an agricultural occupation. This would include households with persons working on their own holding, as well as households with persons working as employees in agricultural jobs. Another option could be to cover all households whose main source of income is from agriculture
8.12. Note that, in widening the agricultural census in this way, three types of statistical units would be covered: (i) agricultural holdings in the household sector; (ii) agricultural holdings in the non-household sector; and (iii) non-production households
8.13. To analyse a wider agricultural census, data from non-production households need to be combined with data from agricultural holdings in the household sector. To do this, a common statistical unit - the household - is needed
8.14. The definition of an agricultural holding distinguishes between the economic unit of agricultural production and the household (see paragraphs 3.28–3.31). Many countries define the two units to be equivalent, which simplifies the analysis of a wider agricultural census. If the holding and household units are different, the two units need to be clearly distinguished in the data collection and analysis
8.15. In terms of household data, a wider agricultural census includes two types of households: (i) households with own-account agricultural production (that is, households associated with holdings in the household sector); and non-production households. In a normal agricultural census, household data are often collected as part of the holding-level data. In a wider agricultural census, a different approach may be used; namely: (i) collect general household data for all households of the two types given above; and (ii) identify each agricultural holding and collect agricultural production related items for each holding. It may be necessary to use two questionnaires: one for all units in the household sector, and the other for holdings in the non-household sector
8.16. A wider agricultural census should be carried out within the same modular framework as for a normal agricultural census
8.17. Some core agricultural census items identified in Chapter 4 could also be applicable to non-production households; in particular, Item 0005: Household size; Item 0014: Presence of aquaculture; Item 0015: Presence of forest and other wooded land; and Item 0016: Other economic production activities
8.18. Other household items could be included to meet data requirements. The number of items should be kept to a minimum, in keeping with the modular philosophy used for the agricultural census, and taking into account data already available from the population census and elsewhere. Note that any additional items required for non-production households also need to be collected for households with own-account agricultural production
8.19. Census supplementary modules for a wider agricultural census would be carried out as per a normal agricultural census. The supplementary modules could be of two types
8.20. First, there are the normal census supplementary modules based on agricultural holding frames. Items should be chosen from the list of items in Chapter 4. Concepts and definitions in Chapter 11 apply
8.21. Second, there are modules based on a frame of non-production households and households with own-account agricultural production. These could cover supplementary themes shown in Chapter 4; in particular, Theme 07 (demographic and social characteristics); Theme 08 (farm labour); Theme 09 (household food security); Theme 10 (aquaculture); and Theme 11 (forestry). Modules on household food security module or farm labour could be particularly useful, given the wider coverage of households. Household supplementary modules could be conducted on other themes altogether
8.22. Various frame options are available. A frame of households or EAs from the population census is commonly used. If necessary, screening questions are asked in the agricultural census to identify the specific non-production households to be covered by the agricultural census. Depending on the content of the population census, it may be possible to construct a frame of agricultural holdings and non-production households directly from the population census. Alternatively, a farm register could be used in conjunction with a frame of non-production households from the population census
