New paradigms for household surveys in low and middle income countries[Nouveaux paradigmes d'élaboration des enquêtes ménages dans les pays du Sud]

Understanding the multiple dimensions of the development process is based on a fundamental need: quality data. This article presents recent progress in household survey protocols, which focus on addressing some of the data collection challenges specific to low- and middle-income countries. Four dimensions of the survey process are explored: sampling, selection of respondents within households, how the questionnaire is administered, and control of measurement errors. Each of these phases has been the subject of significant methodological advances. The first is the contribution of new satellite and computer technologies to sample selection when sampling frames are non-existent or unusable. The second is based on the use of computer media for the administration of questionnaires. The third is the exploration of different interrogation variants using experimental economics methods (recall period, questionnaire administration methods, interrogation strategy, etc.). The fourth is the introduction of new themes related to changes in consumption patterns due to urbanization and labor organization.