50x2030 Supports The Gambia in Launching Agricultural Census Pre-Test and Pilot Survey

Under the 50x2030 Initiative, a recent mission to The Gambia has successfully advanced preparations for the National Agricultural Sample Census (NASC) 2025. Held in August, the mission focused on pre-testing survey tools and launching the pilot survey in collaboration with The Gambia’s Department of Planning (DoP) within the Ministry of Agriculture and the Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBoS).

The primary objective was to validate census tools, including questionnaires and manuals, through field pre-tests. The tools were evaluated for clarity, duration and ease of use, especially in the Household Module, Village Module and Non-Household Listing Module. In parallel, the training of enumerators marked the launch of the pilot survey.

Survey Tool Pre-Test and Key Findings

Enumerators visited the villages of Jabang and Brikama Newtown South, administering the household module to 10 households. The pre-test assessed agricultural practices, measured land areas using field tools and examined how local units of crop measurement could be standardized. Although the crop yield section could not be fully tested due to the upcoming harvest, the pre-test helped standardize local units and get an indication on survey duration per household.

The pre-test also covered the Non-Household Listing Module in four villages, including Brikama Sanneh Kunda and Banjulinding, targeting commercial farms and gardens. Farm owners and community leaders provided valuable input, demonstrating strong familiarity with local measurement systems. These findings will be crucial for the accuracy of data collection during the full census.

Pilot Survey and Enumerator Training

Following the pre-test, a pilot survey was launched with the training of 24 enumerators, 8 supervisors and 6 DoP agents. The five-day training program covered how to administer the questionnaire and use the data collection application. Simulated interviews and practical field exercises helped participants practice measuring agricultural areas and crop yields, refining their skills ahead of the full census.

Adjustments were made based on feedback, including a recommendation to replace manual scales with digital ones for more accurate yield measurement.

The mission successfully achieved its objectives, ensuring that the tools and processes are ready for the National Agricultural Sample Census 2025, which will provide critical data for The Gambia’s agricultural sector.