Reported Agricultural Output

The indicator assesses the average agricultural output of a certain crop / animal type produced by the target households during a specific period (as reported by the households’ members). It shows whether the households reached a higher output (which might lead to more income and better nutrition); however, it does not explain how the change was achieved (e.g. by expanding the field size; using a new technology; increasing the yields).

Collect the following data by conducting individual interviews with a representative sample of the target farmers:

RECOMMENDED SURVEY QUESTIONS (Q) AND POSSIBLE ANSWERS (A) – CROP PRODUCTION

Q1: During the past [specify the season], did you grow [specify the crop]?

A1: yes / no

(ask the following question only is the previous answer is YES)

Q2: Do you know how much [specify the crop] you harvested during the last season?

A2: 1) yes - ……………. (specify the number + units); weight in kg: …….

       2) no / is not sure

RECOMMENDED SURVEY QUESTIONS (Q)  AND POSSIBLE ANSWERS (A) – ANIMAL RAISING

Q1: Do you raise any [specify the animal species]?

A1: yes / no

(ask the following question only if the previous answer is YES)

Q2: Do you know how many [specify the animal species] you raise now?

A2: 1) yes - …………… [specify the number animal species]

       2) no / is not sure

Calculate the indicator’s value by summing up the weights/numbers reported by individual households and dividing them by the number of people who reported weight/number.

Disaggregate the data by wealth.

1) In certain contexts, it is important to specify also the animal’s age as this has a significant influence on their value (for example, a breeding sow is worth a lot more than a piglet; similarly, the value of chicks (1 to 4 days), grown chickens (below 1.5 months), cocks, etc. is also different).

2) Households sometimes take care of animals which are owned by other people. This practice is common for more expensive animals, such as cows. If you need to know whether the person actually owns the animal, also ask “Who is the owner of [specify the animal]?”

3) When assessing crop production, enquire about the weight of the last produce as soon after the harvest as possible, so that the respondents are able to recall it correctly.

4) Keep in mind that many farmers practice crop rotation. Therefore, if you are interested in whether a given farmer grows a particular crop, you might need to ask for more than just the past one season.

5) If you use this indicator, you will also gain the data required for Animal Raising or Crop Production indicators.

6) European Commission's DEVCO recommends to use a similar indicator: "Total volume of crop production".