Summary
Using AF technology, it is possible to develop a standard survey methodology that allows accurate agricultural, natural resource, environmental, and social data to be collected that will enable data to be compared across years and to establish relationships among variables in different sectors.
AF methodology offers objective accurate comprehensive and timely data at a reduced long-term cost. Surveys at the beginning of the project are based on a methodology that can be used again for mid-term and end of project data collection. This is crucial since different survey methods produce different survey results even if the population sampled is identical. In order to have comparable data, survey design and procedures must remain constant. AAIC would select segments at the beginning of the project to represent the project area and use those same segments throughout the project life so that we have a statistically controlled monitoring system.
In many areas of the world there is a great need for better crop and livestock statistics at the national, provincial and project levels. Most of us in AAIC have devoted our lives to these advanced data collection methods that generate timely, comprehensive, objective, credible, replicated (time series) data. You will find our work useful, cost effective, and able to generate data that can be defended scientifically.
Although surveys with specialized purposes are useful, a comprehensive general purpose system will allow project managers to compare data collected across years by different institutions. AAIC would welcome the opportunity to facilitate development of this kind of system in collaboration with donor projects.
For additional questions email us at Questions@aaic.net.