Training on Household Surveys for Program Evaluation in LMICs

Household surveys are a critical tool for generating reliable data in program evaluation, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Accurate survey design and data analysis allow organizations to assess program effectiveness, inform policy, and improve interventions in sectors such as health, agriculture, and education.

This course equips participants with practical skills to design, conduct, and analyze household surveys for program evaluation. Topics include sampling techniques, questionnaire design, data collection methods, data quality assurance, and advanced data analysis for impact evaluation. Real-world case studies provide hands-on experience in generating actionable evidence that supports decision-making in development programs.

By the end of the course, participants will be able to produce high-quality household survey data and apply findings to improve program outcomes and policy decisions.

Duration

 5 Days

Who Should Attend

• Program managers and M&E officers
• Researchers and development practitioners
• Government statisticians and policy analysts
• NGO and donor agency staff working in LMICs
• Graduate students in development, economics, or public health

Organizational Impact

• Reliable household survey data to inform program design and scaling.

• Improved accountability and donor reporting.

• Stronger capacity for evidence-based policy and decision-making.

Personal Impact

• Practical skills in survey design, data collection, and analysis.

• Hands-on experience with tools like ODK, CSPro, or STATA.

• Enhanced career opportunities in M&E, research, and policy.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Design household surveys tailored to LMIC contexts.

• Apply appropriate sampling and survey methodologies.

• Develop reliable data collection tools.

• Ensure data quality and minimize survey bias.

• Analyze and report household survey data for program evaluation.

Module 1: Fundamentals of Household Surveys in LMICs

• Role of household surveys in program evaluation.
• Unique challenges in LMIC contexts (literacy, infrastructure, costs).
• Case Study: DHS (Demographic and Health Surveys) in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Module 2: Survey Design & Sampling Techniques

• Probability vs. non-probability sampling.
• Sample size calculation for impact evaluation.
• Case Study: Sampling in household nutrition surveys.

Module 3: Questionnaire Development & Data Collection Tools

• Questionnaire design (modules on income, health, education, livelihoods).
• Digital tools: ODK, KoboToolbox, CSPro.
• Case Study: Mobile-based surveys for agricultural extension services.

Module 4: Data Quality Assurance & Ethical Considerations

• Field supervision, enumerator training, pilot testing.
• Informed consent, cultural sensitivity, and ethical practices.
• Case Study: Ensuring data integrity in refugee household surveys.

Module 5: Data Analysis & Reporting for Program Evaluation

• Analyzing survey data with STATA/SPSS/R.
• Interpreting results for policy and programs.
• Case Study: Evaluating household cash transfer impacts in LMICs.