1. Planning for the adoption of electronic data collection technologies for Ghana 2020 PHC
UN Reg. Workshop on the 2020 World Programme on
Population & Housing Censuses
Lagos, Nigeria
8-11 May, 2017

2. Outline of presentation
Introduction
Previous processes
Current/transition process
Moving forward

3. Introduction
The use of electronic data collection technologies with other geospatial technologies have substantially impacted considerably on planning, designing and implementing census and other survey operations
before making a decision for the adoption electronic devices/Internet for census data collection, important considerations must be made in the planning, preparation and design stages
NSOs have taken advantage of these advance technologies to modernise these processes, and improve quality and timeliness of results

4. Past Processes
The last two population censuses in Ghana (2000 & 2010) used PAPI and scanning technology for data processing
Though the results were released faster than it would have been with the use of typewriters, there were challenges associated with;
Printing of questionnaires ( paper quality, delivery of products,
2. Equipment for scanning (expensive, become obsolete in no time, )
Scanned information often have different processes before ascii output is obtained
Takes time and space

5. Past Processes cont’d
All these affects the production and effective utilization of statistics and the goals of a national statistical system-
Delays in the release of final census results (between 2-3 years)- affecting planning
Over spending of budget lines leading to inability to undertake some other important planned activities

6. The transition process
The challenges associated with the use of scanning technology led to the need for Ghana Statistical Service to search and adopt the use of electronic devices for data collection which will dramatically reduce the time lag between data collection, analysis and dissemination
In the 2014 Ghana Demographic Health Survey (GDHS), GSS introduced the Computer Assisted Field Edits (CAFÉ) technology where paper questionnaires were used for interviews and later entered onto a computer in the field. Data files were transferred to the central office immediately

7. The transition process cont’d
In 2015, GSS conducted a Family Life and Health Survey (DFID, IDS-UK) where Computer Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) technology was used for the first time
3 staff were trained at US Census Bureau in the use of CAPI technology
The success of the 2015 household survey (LFS) became the stepping stone for the adoption of the technology

8. The transition process cont’d
Subsequently, GSS has used tablets for the
2015 Ghana Labour Force Survey,
GLSS7 listing exercises ,
2016 Reproductive Health Commodity Security Survey and
GLSS7 main data collection.
Plans are also underway for the use of tablets for the Census of Agriculture to be conducted this year. The pilot has already been done using tablets.

9. Moving forward
The success of the main field work of the Census of Agriculture using tablets will further inform GSS as to the ease of using tablets for large scale surveys.
Over 5000 interviewers and supervisors will be involved in the Census Agriculture.
-Procurement of tablets for the Census of Agriculture is underway.
Other preparatory activities for 2020 PHC are ongoing
Demarcation
Digitizing of EA maps
Project document

10. Other considerations include
Initial investment as compared to printing and storage of PAPI
Cost of equipment & type of operating system-Android devices and software compatibility
Training of interviewers, supervisors including staff in the team – slightly more days than using PAPI
Communication and connectivity-,– 2 SP cover entire country
Data transfer -cloud-based servers
Capacity to handle survey
Collaboration between DP and IT team for technical assistance and trouble shooting during system development , testing and fieldwork

11. Other considerations cont’d
Adoption of CAPI technologies enhanced the design of census process
Modifications to questionnaire are effected and deployed immediately
DB of listed structures and households instead of PAPI
No need for mass storage of PAPI
Strategies for maximising the benefits of investment
Require less space for storage of devices
Reuse devices for other intercensal surveys
Rent/lease out devices to other institutions.

12. Challenges so far
Malfunctioning of devices in the course of fieldwork , and sometimes delays in replacement due to distance thus forced to revert to PAPI
Some remote areas are without electricity and interviewers have to travel long distances to charge devices-tablets and power banks.
Sometimes difficult to edit work done by interviewers during field monitoring.
Acquiring a tablet which cannot run some modules of the data management process due to cost vrs sophisticated devices with under utilized functionalities

13. Thank you for your attention
End of Presentation
Thank you for your attention