Two of the most important factors in developing a fieldwork plan are (i) the geography of the project area and (ii) the human resources and logistical support available for the survey.

Step 1: Map of the Project Area

First, it is necessary to obtain a map of the project area. Ideally, the map will already show the location of the clusters (villages) to be visited. Often it is necessary to approximate the locations of some communities based on consultations with project staff. Relevant details (such as roads that are no longer passable or that have recently been completed) should be added to the map. The completed map will serve as a reality check for the amount of time that will be required to reach all the villages in the sample.

Step 2: Survey Team

It is generally recommended that the survey team include one consultant, two supervisors, eight enumerators and two drivers. The consultant acts as team leader. The two supervisors each guide a group of four enumerators and a driver/vehicle. The enumerators always work in pairs for anthropometric surveys. In most cultures, it is important that at least one of the enumerators in each pair be a woman.

Note:

At least 50% of the total number of enumerators should be women.

Example

Possible configuration of survey team

With a survey team configured as above, it should be possible to complete an average minimum of four clusters per day even in a challenging environment. With 30 clusters in the sample, seven or eight days should be allocated for data collection (30 clusters ÷ 4 clusters per day = 7.5 days).

Another issue related to the composition of the survey team is the amount of time that should be planned for training. For example, if the enumerators are experienced health workers, then one day of training in survey methodology may be sufficient.

Step 3: Fieldwork Plan

Two examples of fieldwork plans are given below. While IFAD consultants are generally expected to work through weekends, this may not be a culturally acceptable option for the enumerators or for the members of the households being visited.

Example

Scenario A:

Activity

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Planning

x

x

x

Training

x

x

x

Data Collection

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

Data Entry

x

x

x

Analysis

x

x

x

Reporting

x

x

x

Feedback

x

Example

Scenario B:

Activity

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Planning

x

x

x

Training

x

x

x

Data Collection

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

x

Data Entry

x

x

x

Analysis

x

x

x

Reporting

x

x

x

Feedback

x

 

A blank worksheet for the development of the fieldwork plan is included below

Worksheet for Fieldwork Plan

Activity

Week 1

Week 2

Week 3

Week 4

Planning

Training

Data Collection

Data Entry

Analysis

Reporting

Feedback

Project: _________________________________________________________

Beginning Date of Fieldwork: ______/______/______

Ending Date for Fieldwork:  ______/______/______

Notes: Survey Team =

_____ Team Leader _____ Enumerators: _____ women _____ men _____ other:

_____ Supervisor(s) _____Driver(s)/vehicle(s)