baseline data collection
The methodology is based on a 'resource framework' that looks for indicators long-term project induced changes to affected communities throughout the lifetime of this project, by acknowledging that household and community well-being is dependent upon a range of tangible and intangible resources. The methodology also employees rapid appraisal techniques for data collection.
Key methodological discussions include:
- Scoping a Baseline Study
- Identification of Target Baseline Data
- Case Study: Indonesia (Maluku Islands)
- Case Study: Nepal (District-level Surveys)
- Determining Sample Size for Socio-Economic Baseline Data
- Stakeholder Identification
- Case Study: MTB
- Planning Fieldwork
- methods_study-design_preparing-print-media
- methods_study-design_translations
- Processing Baseline Data
- Using Baseline Data in Impact Assessment
Identifying Data Sources
Baseline studies normally begin with a review of secondary data. Secondary sources typically involve a desk study using a number of sources: official data (such as topographic and thematic maps, censuses and other government records), research reports, historical texts, and other available documentation on demographic trends and the history of the people and the area. The use of secondary sources is a good starting point; however, in any instance where significant social, economic or cultural issues are likely to be a factor, the use of secondary material alone is insufficient. Field surveys must be undertaken to fully establish an appropriate social baseline and update information that may no longer be current. (p. 6)
.... to systematically compile and re-structure secondary data into a form more amenable to data analysis. CCCS accomplished this objective within the context of TO7 by transforming *.PDF-formatted census data into spreadsheet formats that are more amenable to data analysis [submitted as 'maluku-data,20141106.zip']
participatory techniques & stakeholder analysis
During the scoping and baseline phases of the assessment, the community can be made aware that information is sought as part of a shared agenda to mitigate future project impacts and identify opportunities for improvements in social and economic conditions. Consultation and baseline studies for both environmental and social impacts should work synergistically. The key conclusions of the baseline study analyses must be discussed with the community as part of an iterative process. It is very important that good and frequent two-way communication exists between the baseline study team and the consultation team, where these two are separate units; but where possible this should be undertaken by the same team. (pp. 6-7)
In many societies it is best to carry out separate consultations with vulnerable groups, and in particular women, who often provide much of the economic support for households but have no formal political power in the community.
In some cases, focused consultations with specific social groups can be constructive, especially where high rates of unemployment or under-employment prevail, or where projects are likely to affect vulnerable populations such as the young and the elderly. Likewise, where marginalized or minority ethnic groups are present, consultations should be designed to accommodate their views. (p. 7)
qualitative methods
Qualitative interview techniques are used to provide insight into community social institutions and organization including local arrangements for decision-making and leadership. Qualitative surveys can be used to obtain descriptive information on topics such as: household livelihood options, social differentiation, ethnic minorities, lines of solidarity and conflict, the role of women, key resource issues, local perceptions about the project and more. They also serve to enhance and verify quantitative data.
Larger, more general, group interviews help to inform the community as a whole about the project, gather information on local perceptions, and reveal impacts and issues while providing firsthand information on social, economic, cultural and political organization at the community level. Discussions with focus groups (such as women, youth groups, social or cultural organizations, marginalized groups, minorities, etc.) are an effective means to identify and understand different perspectives, conflicts, concerns and aspirations for development within a given community. Knowledgeable key informants may be used as another means of acquiring more detailed information on complex issues and past events, which may be difficult to gather at a group level. An initial sampling at the household level can help establish a basis from which to focus subsequent quantitative surveys. (pp. 7-8)
quantitative methods
Quantitative surveys serve to establish baseline measures for key social parameters that can be used later as indicators to measure social impacts. Quantitative methods are commonly used to generate data on: household assets; income streams and livelihood survival strategies; vulnerable individuals and households; the role of women and children in the division of labor; the degree of economic dependency on land and local resources; household composition and demography, health, and educational characteristics; skills of the labor force; etc.
Pilot questionnaire surveys should be undertaken in order to refine questions and test the usefulness of the questionnaire before undertaking the overall survey. If the affected population is large, appropriate sampling methods should be employed. Where appropriate, these should be stratified according to target groups identified in the qualitative survey. (p. 8)
The importance of quantitative methods cannot be overstated. A quantitative analysis of income streams, household expenditures, and household demographic characteristics portrays how households allocate their labor, capital, and other resources. The absence of quantitative data opens the door to conjecture or anecdotal speculation that serves neither the interests of the population nor the company. Quantitative methods enable an empirical measurement of project impacts and effective evaluations of progress made in mitigation or sustainable development undertakings. Reliable quantitative baseline data also provides a sound basis to challenge unfounded claims and future disputes concerning project impacts. (p. 8)
content of baseline studies
Table 3 (pp. 24-25) provides an indicative list of topics often explored as part of a social baseline study and specifies the methods best suited for attaining different types of information. However, topics covered will vary in light of the specifics of a given project. The process of collecting baseline information is not about assembling any type of social data, but rather is a targeted exercise based on the preliminary impacts identified in the scoping stage and focused specifically on the directly affected population. The objective is to investigate in further detail only those aspects most relevant to the project and its potential impacts. (p. 9)
Secondary Data
- Demographic profile [FGD/QHS: 'structured ID']
- Size, location, history and distribution of the population [FGD/QHS: 'territorial ties' and 'population mobility']
- Household composition and demographic characteristics [FGD/QHS: 'household composition']
- Socioeconomic status [FGD/QHS: 'livelihoods' and 'economic integration']
- Sociocultural characteristics [FGD/QHS: 'identity distribution', 'livelihoods', 'security' and 'cultural institutions']
Qualitative Methods and Participatory Techniques
- Quality of life of the population [FGD/QHS: 'livelihoods' and 'living conditions']
- Salient characteristics of social differentiation within communities [FGD/QHS: 'identity distribution', 'livelihoods' and 'cultural institutions']
- Key social institutions and customary systems for decision-making [FGD/QHS: 'identity distribution' and 'cultural institutions']
- Local institutions and decision-making [FGD/QHS: 'cultural institutions']
- Natural resource management and land use [FGD/QHS: 'livelihoods' (partial)]
- Mapping and use of common resources [FGD/QHS: 'livelihoods', 'economic integration' and 'asset ownership' (partial)]
- Relevant cultural properties and archaeological sites [FGD/QHS: 'cultural heritage']
- Livelihood systems and survival strategies [FGD/QHS: 'livelihoods']
- Household organization [FGD/QHS: 'household composition']
- Information on social mobility and the social division of labor [FGD/QHS: 'territorial ties' and 'population mobility' (partial)
- Perceptions of past, present, and future limitations or opportunities for development [FGD/QHS: 'project perception'; these are also questions for later Social Impact Assessment confirmation visit]
- Perceptions of opportunities for sustainable development with respect to the project; these are also questions for later Social Impact Assessment confirmation visit]
- Perceived project impacts and ways to mitigate them [FGD/QHS: 'project perception'; these are also questions for later Social Impact Assessment confirmation visit]
Quantitative Methods
- Demographic characteristics [Addressed within the structure of the QHS (all tabs) and supported by FDG inputs. Field data will be used to confirm, verify, or dispute secondary data sources via analytical 'triangulation' ]
- Livelihoods and occupations [FGD/QHS: 'livelihoods' and 'economic integration']
- Levels of education and skills [FGD/QHS: 'education']
- Sources and amounts of household income [FGD/QHS: 'economic integration']
- Land use potential [FGD/QHS: 'livelihoods', 'economic integration' and 'territorial ties' (partial)]
- Data on household expenditures [FGD/QHS: 'economic integration']
- Household structures, land, and other assets [FGD/QHS: 'livelihoods' and 'living conditions']
- Soil, vegetation and land capability surveys [not included]
- Access to health, education, and other services [FGD/QHS: 'health', 'education' and 'cultural institutions']
- Health indicators [FGD/QHS: 'health']
- General trends [part of URS’ social baseline study]
Case Study
how it could be tackled to permit comparison with official statistics and align it with GoI systems:
-
Geographical classification system- adopt the same 10-digit numbering system as Government of Indonesia, whereby:
00 | 00 | 000 | 000 |
Province Province |
Kabupaten District |
Kecamatan Sub-district |
Desa Village |
-
Village classification
1- Perkotaan (Urban)
2- Perdesaan (Rural)
-
Household sampling method- follow the Susenas sampling method recording the total number of households and buildings in a village recorded in the census and normally , number of household members and household expenditure group. Refer to VSEN2003.L SuSeNas2003.pdf attached.
-
Question wording and coding- follow the same format as used by GoI as it is familiar to enumerators and respondents and has been tested/ is proven. Refer to VSEN2003.K SuSeNas2003.pdf attached. For example:
· Relationship to household head codes: 1- household head, 2- Spouse, 3- Child, 4- Daughter-in-law, 5- Grandchild, 6-Parent, 7- Other family, 8- Helper, 9- Other
· Civil status codes: 1- Not yet married, 2- Marries, 3- Separated, 4- Widowed
· Relative household wealth questions on income, quality of food, capacity to purchase clothing, health status etc
· VI. Housing: 1. Tenure status of occupied residential buildings: 1- Owner-occupied, 2- Contracted, 3- Rented, 4- Rent free, 5- Service, 6- Owned by parents, siblings, 7-Other
· VI Housing: 2. Roof material: 1-Concrete, 2-Tiled, 3- Shingle, 4- Zinc, 5- Asbestos, 6- Thatched, 7- Other
... Agricultural Census for 2013 for Maluku province is published at: http://st2013.bps.go.id/st2013esya/booklet/at8100.pdf which may be a good secondary data source for us on regional livelihoods.
Data Sources MTB https://mtbkab.bps.go.id/ https://mtbkab.bps.go.id/publikasi.html https://mtbkab.bps.go.id/pencarian.html?searching=dalam+angka&yt1=Cari