The document summarizes Belize's experience conducting agricultural censuses from 1984 to 2011 and plans for the 2020 census. It discusses: - Belize has conducted agricultural censuses in 1984/85, 2002, and 2011 led by different government agencies over time. - The 2011 census was a joint effort between the Department of Agriculture and Statistical Institute of Belize, supported by FAO funding and technical assistance. - Major challenges of the 2011 census included developing agricultural statistics capacity, government funding, logistics, and large farm refusals. - Lessons learned include the need for coordination, planning, staff support, training, technology investment, and addressing political interference and confidentiality.

1. Regional Roundtable on World Programme
for the Census of Agriculture 2020
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, 22-26 May 2017
Phillip Tate
Agriculture Statistician II
Department of Agriculture/Statistical Institute of Belize
[phillip.tate@agriculture.gov.bz]
Belize Agriculture Census 2011
Technical Session 4
Methodological Consideration
Linking Population and Housing
Censuses with Agricultural Censuses
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2. 2
Outline
Historical Outline
Introduction & Background (1 – 2)
Census Methodology (1 – 3)
Major Challenges
Lessons Learnt (1 – 2)
Overcoming Census Issues 2011
Other Issues
Overcoming Challanges – Way Forward

3. 3
1984/85
2002
2011
2020
Belize Agricultural
Census
Belize Farm
Registry
Belize Agricultural
Census
Belize Agricultural
Census (Joint)
Historical Outline

4. 4
DoA – Belize Agricultural Census – 2011
Support – FAO – Questionnaire /Manual
FAO - Funding - US $58,000
FAO Technical Assistance
GOB – Enumeration Bz $325,000 (Enumeration)
Population and Housing Census – Issues – May, 2010
Combined Censuses – SIB and Agriculture
Belize Agricultural Census (1st February, 2011)
Background
No legal basis for Agricultural Census
CSO: Agricultural Census 1984/85
DOA: Belize Farm Registry 2002
SIB formed on April 1st, 2007
Maps – Enumeration Areas/Agricultural Zones

5. Census Methodology
5
Enumeration
Enumeration Period – 1st February – 31st
August 2011
Enumeration Method – None
Post Enumeration Survey - None
Definitions
Statistical Unit – Household
Questionnaire with supplementalCanvassing
Country used existing
Agricultural Zones
Complete Enumeration –
Urban/Rural
Classical Approach
No Frame – List or Area

6. 6
Questionnaire Sections
Farm & farmer Identification
Total Land and Land Tenure of Farm by Parcel
Actual Land Use of the Farm – Permanent (Perennial) Crops
Actual Land Use of the Farm – Temporary Crops
Livestock on Farm
Farm Implements and Equipment
Farm and Household Activities

7. Census Methodology
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Enumeration Period
February 1st –
August 31st, 2011
Reference Period
January 1st –
December 31st, 2010
No post-enumeration
survey
No census innovation

8. Major Challenges
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“Will” and
“Need” to
develop
Agricultural
Statistical
System
Government Funds Logistics:
• Transportation - Supervisor
• Fuel
• Equipment
• GPS
Large Farm
Refusals

9. 9
Lessons Learnt
Support
SIB support – coordination &
planning
Senior Management support
Population & Housing Census
support
Staffing
Support staffing - supervisors
Training of enumerators
Enumerators – criteria &
selection
Budgeting Considerations
Investment in technologies e.g.
GPS, tablets, etc.
Other
Political interference
Confidentiality – combined efforts
Timing of the Census
April 1st? Start

10. Overcoming Census Issues 2011
- Additional Funds from GOB
- Used budget allocation 2010/2011 and 2011/2012
- Fuel and Transportation
- Support from SIB - including payment
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11. Other Issues
- National Statistical System(NSS)/SIB
- SPARS and Rural Statistics
- Other departments within the Public Service
- Training of Personnel (NSS)
- Collaboration with UB
- Training Needs within the Public Service
- Primary and Administrative Data
- Other Statistical Assets by Departments
e.g.: LIC, SIB – EA & Household, etc…
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12. The Way Forward
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Population and
Housing Census
2020
IDB Funded Project
FAO - Preliminary
Assessment - 2015
FAO - In-depth Country
Assessment 2017
Strategic Plans for
Agricultural and Rural
Statistics (SPARS)
MOU with SIB
Implementation
Plan for SPARS

13. THANKS FOR YOUR
ATTENTION!
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