Household surveys for basic needs planning

Abstract

In that the quality of a plan is constrained by the quality of data upon which it is based, this paper will focus on the design and conduct of household surveys to obtain the data needed for basic needs planning. It draws upon research experience gained by the author in preparing an upgrading plan for an informal settlement near Port St Johns; and form association with the design of home interview surveys carried out in similar situations by portgraduate students. While it is recognised that a household survey must be precisely tailored to the local context and to the purpose for which it is being undertaken, this paper seeks to establish a common core that can be used as a basis for surveys in an variety of situations.