(Item 6 of the Agenda)
69. After thorough discussions on the experiences among different countries, the Experts discussed STAT-INCOME-15 which contained some possible recommendations. The Experts put forward some recommendations on the areas of framework where the review of the data systems could be based on, data collection strategies, integration/compilation of data from different sources, processing and analysis, and dissemination.
70. Budgetary Considerations. Budgetary constraints were cited often as a common issue in the collection of farmers' income data among developing countries. These can influence sampling design, accuracy of the data, frequency and timing of data collection, and the survey instruments that can be used. With rising cost of survey operations, Experts considered worthy exploring other sources of funding outside the framework of public spending. Users of farmer income and other socio-economic data might be persuaded to contribute in funding to the collection of such data. The Experts recommended that FAO increase awareness among national governments (through meetings and other relevant channels) on the use of farmer income data and the need for setting aside funds for data collection, analysis and dissemination. They also recommended that, when appropriate, countries look for funding of data collection, analysis and dissemination beyond the framework of public spending.
71. Information Requirements and Definitions. The Experts noted that households (including farm households) tended to be burdened with various surveys and that the socioeconomic information collected was often inconsistent across Asia-Pacific countries. The Experts recommended that efforts should be made to define the core data requirements that provide consistency and comparability between collections across countries and over time. The Experts also recommended that FAO develop guidelines on the conduct of farm income related surveys, including imputation methods. These actions would facilitate the formulation of national and regional policies and initiatives such as the FAO RIGA project.
72. Framework for Measuring Income. The Experts agreed that the complexity in concepts related to farmer income called for an appropriate framework where measurements could be based on. The Experts recommended that accounting frameworks like the Living Standards Measurement Study (LSMS) and the System of National Accounts (SNA) should be considered when measuring farm household incomes.
73. Under-reporting. The Experts recommended that a pilot study be undertaken across countries to assess the extent of under-reporting of farm income data, e.g. by comparing income data with consumption and savings data. Case studies could be used to estimate correction factors to adjust under-reported data on income.
74. Accessibility. Quality problems with farm income data is often related to difficulty in reaching respondents in areas of difficult access (e.g. remote areas or zones with security problems). The Experts recommended that FAO explore the possibility of conducting a study or a workshop to identify methods that can efficiently be used to collect farm income data from areas where access is difficult.
75. Public Awareness and Feedback. The Experts recognized the need for increased public awareness on the usefulness of the results from farm income data. In particular, the need was felt for greater efforts of feedback to the farmers as to how data provided by them were utilized. They noted that it could present a tangible benefit on them and motivate cooperation and provision of truthful information in future surveys. The Experts recommended that efforts should be made to improve the accessibility to and feedback of information to all stakeholders, including farmers, as a way of incentive to provide reliable information.
76. Information Technology. The Experts noted the growing use of information technology (e.g., satellite images, internet, hand-held computers, automated checking and imputation, etc.) in the collection, analysis and dissemination of farm income and other socioeconomic data. The use of IT was enhancing the collection, analysis and dissemination of this data. They noted, however, that the use of IT varied significantly among countries. The Experts recommended that a review be undertaken on the use of IT in farm income surveys from collection to analysis and dissemination of data, assessing its potential applications in Asia-Pacific countries.
