1. The role of enumerators in Statistical Data collection
SADC Course in Statistics
28/03/2017
The role of enumerators in Statistical Data collection

2. Introduction
Enumerators are the most important category of staff in the statistical data collection process. Why?
They are in direct contact with respondents and thus have a great bearing on the quality of data collected and ultimately on the quality of statistical products coming out of the National Statistical Office.
Their input can never be over emphasised in the evidence-based decision making process that is being implemented by/within the SADC member states.

3. Duties of enumerators
Duties of enumerators can be broadly
classified into the following categories:
Pre–enumeration duties
During enumeration duties
Post-enumeration duties

4. Pre–enumeration duties
Attend training courses, that is, training of enumerators’ workshop
Receiving enumeration materials and equipment from the supervisor
Develop an enumeration schedule/itinerary
Be familiar with the EA and the household/holding that he has been assigned to interview
Checks and amend the EA map where necessary, and inform the supervisors of any changes

5. During enumeration duties
The core of the enumerator’s task is to:
locate (or select) his/her sample members
obtain interviews with them
ask questions
record answers as instructed and
Complying with the requirements necessary for conducting a successful interview.

6. Locating/selecting sample members
To locate the respondent it is first necessary to construct a sampling frame, which may require field work itself – a process called listing.
In some cases, enumerators are provided with random number tables and asked to select the sample.

7. Obtaining an interview
Arranging an interview is sometimes not as straightforward as it sounds; one has to consider the timing of the interview.
If time is not considered, a lot of call backs will have to be done thus affecting the time allocated for the survey.
Time can influence the accuracy of the data obtained.
It is best practice to select a time that is convenient for the respondent and to follow the procedure as defined in the enumerator instructions manual.

8. Asking questions
Enumerators are expected to:
ask all applicable questions.
ask them in the order given and with no more elucidation and probing than is explicitly allowed and,
make no unauthorised variations in the wording of questions.
In general, the aim is to attain uniformity in
the asking of questions and recording of
answers.

9. After recording all responses, the enumerator must:
Recording responses
In most interviews, enumerators have to record answers/responses given by respondents.
Exceptions occur when questionnaires are left to be filled in by the respondent and are later on collected by the enumerator e.g. in household expenditure surveys.
After recording all responses, the enumerator must:
edit the questionnaire to check that all questions have been asked and all responses recorded.
ensure that he/she has ringed/ticked the right codes and
check that there are no inconsistencies between answers.

10. Post enumeration duties
ensure that enumerator checking is complete.
ensure that all questionnaires and equipment are accounted for.
hand over all questionnaires (filled, spoilt & blank) with other literature and materials used in the survey to the supervisor.
write a brief field report.

11. Equipment needed by an enumerator
In order to carry out his/her job effectively, an enumerator
needs a number of items including;
questionnaires
ballpoint pens
clip boards
letter of appointment and/or identification
waterproof bag or containers in which to store questionnaires (used or unused) from becoming wet and untidy
schedule of work
Enumerator Instructions Manual for consulting in case he/she has forgotten some concept(s) or definition(s),
a notebook
maps for recognition of EA boundaries

12. Characteristics of a good enumerator
Honesty
In the sense of not falsifying or fabricating responses.
However, it should be noted that honesty and integrity
cannot be easily assessed at the recruitment stage but
enumerators who are later found deficient on these scores
should be quickly dismissed.
Interest
Interest in survey work is highly desirable. Errors
and poor quality work are much more likely if the
enumerator is bored and regards the work as
valueless.

13. Characteristics cont’d
3.Knowledge of the customs, traditions and language of the target population
This helps in the interpretation of questions,
answers, and furthermore, in the avoidance of words
or phrases that will/can embarrass the respondent.
4.Accuracy
Enumerators should be accurate in their recording of
answers, in the way they follow instructions, apply
definitions and carry out their administrative duties.

14. Characteristics of enumerators cont’d
5.Adaptability
If the enumerator is likely to be employed on a
variety of surveys, including different types of
questions, subjects and respondents, he/she should
be a person who easily adapts to varying
circumstances.
6. Personality and temperament
The enumerator’s personality should be neither
over-aggressive nor over-sociable. Pleasantness,
politeness and a business-like manner is the ideal
combination.

15. Characteristics of enumerators cont’d
7. Educated to the appropriate level
They should be educated to a level that
allows them to understand and follow
instructions of the study.
Self-sufficiency and independence
The enumerator will be expected to work
alone, at unusual hours and often in
uncomfortable or remote surroundings.

16. Rules for enumerators
The rules can be categorised as follows:
Pre–enumeration rules
During enumeration rules
Post-enumeration rules

17. Pre-enumeration rules
He/she must know and follow the instructions manual
Adhere to the dress code of the organisation that has engaged/employed you.

18. During enumeration rules
Reassures the respondent that all information collected will be treated as confidential and respects this promise.
Complete interviews.
An enumerator does his best to ensure the accuracy of the information collected.
An enumerator always records information clearly and without the use of abbreviations, and
Records events that occur differently from the planned activities and reports them to the supervisor.

19. Post enumeration rules
Knows and complies with the Statistics Act regarding the work as an enumerator.
An enumerator always carries out checks on consistency, completeness and clarity immediately after the interview, and
Delivers all the forms and equipment to the supervisor on time and in full.

20. Resources
Enumerator’s Instructional Manual for Swaziland Agriculture Survey 2005/2006
The Republic of Zambia’s Post Harvest Survey 2001/2002 (For small and medium scale holdings) Interviewer’s Instructional Manual
The 2002 Zimbabwe Population Census Enumerator’s Manual
The 2006 Zimbabwe Agriculture and Livestock Survey Enumerator’s Training Manual
PowerPoint presentation by George Sibanda on the duties of enumerators, characteristics of enumerators and rules to be followed by enumerators in the collection of statistical data.