Based on ILCA's extensive experience, the foregoing methodology provides NARS and other institutions responsible for conducting dairy research with a general methodology for characterising consumption systems. The working document begins with the identification of functional parameters, performance indicators, and the formulation of core hypotheses, and then sets out methods of analysis, data requirements and potential data sources for filling these information objectives. Sample design is discussed, alternative methods of data collection are examined, and a household survey instrument is provided as a model for the collection of household consumption data. Screen designs for entry of data collected using the household survey instrument and a limited number of programmes for analyzing the data are made available to users of the methodology upon request to ILCA. The latter section of the document provides examples of useful analyses which can be undertaken using only the defined minimum data set. Finally, detailed attention is given in the annexes to a number of technical considerations important for those employing the consumption characterization methodology.
The consumption methodology will yield results of local application, in particular, in assisting research institutions to prioritize constraints to and opportunities for improving the performance of dairy consumption systems. While important in its own right, the clarification of research priorities will be of considerable assistance as well in management of research and the resources allocated to it. But moreover, it is hoped that by providing a generally accepted methodology for dairy system research, greater consistency will emerge in the research conducted at different sites, and that over time a substantial body of data will accumulate that will permit cross-site comparative studies. This ability would be of major significance in furthering the knowledge and understanding of consumption systems.
