Introduction
Phase 1: Scope
Phase 2: Design
Phase 3: Organization
Phase 4: Collection
Phase 5: Classification
Phase 6: Review
Phase 7: Publishing
Phase 8: Evaluation
Phase 9: Management
Introduction:
In all its statistical work, GASTAT applies a unified methodology suitable for the nature of each statistical product using the Statistical Procedures Guide approved by international organizations. Statistical products undergo 8 main phases, in addition to a ninth comprehensive phase, “Management”, as shown in the following diagram and explanation underneath:
The first 3 phases (Scope, Design and Organization) are a cooperative process between GASTAT and its clients, represented by developmental entities data users, while Phase 4 (Data Collection) is done through GASTAT’s cooperation with the statistical population, whether families, businesses or holdings, in order to complete data and information. The remaining phases are statistical stages in which data is classified, reviewed and published. Then, Phase 8 (Evaluation) is carried out with clients. The Management Phase it is an administrative and organizational procedure applied across all phases. These phases have been applied to agricultural holdings as follows:
Phase 1: Scope
The starting point of the preparation of the Agricultural Holdings Survey and the first shared phase between GASTAT and other stakeholders from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Agricultural Development Fund (ADF) and Saudi Grains Organization (SAGO). In this stage, GASTAT held workshops and meetings with entities to understand their needs and learn their requirements as the main data users. They were asked for feedback to ensure the realization of all Agricultural Holdings Survey goals, which are:
1. Supporting decision makers, policy makers, researchers and parties interested in statistics thanks to comprehensive and updated statistics on agricultural holdings in the Kingdom.
2. Building an updated agricultural census database to be used for the collection of agricultural resources, and consequently to provide a series of data on agricultural activities related to holdings and holders in the Kingdom.
3. Providing updated statistics on:
• Holders (e.g. age, gender, nationality, main occupation, education).
• Agricultural holding (e.g. area, legal entity, main purpose of production, holding type, main activity).
• Number of members in the holder’s household, whether living inside or outside the holding.
• Agricultural laborers by age, gender, nationality, and financial compensation.
• Main source of irrigation, number of wells, and the energy used for irrigation.
• Methods of disposing of waste and carcasses.
In this stage, it was also ensured that the published statistics will contribute to fulfilling Vision 2030 as well as cover regional and international requirements.
Phase 2: Design
Designing the statistical work as a whole comprehensive product by identifying the statistical population, designing the statistical framework, survey sample and form, as well as selecting data collection methods and tools and sampling units. Clients are involved in all of these procedures and their insights are taken into consideration in order to fulfill all their needs and include them in the final statistical product.
This phase’s main outputs are:
1. The statistical population:
The target statistical population of the Agricultural Holdings Survey was all agricultural holdings in the KSA.
2. Statistical sources:
The Agricultural Holdings Bulletin is based on the field survey conducted by GASTAT for the first time in 2018 for its data. The survey falls under the category of “agricultural statistics” and collects data through a representative sample of holding visits spread out across all administrative regions in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and an electronic form containing multiple questions. Estimates and indicators related to agricultural holdings and holders in the Kingdom are consequently obtained.
3. Agricultural Holdings Survey Terminology and Concepts:
3.1. Holding:
An economic unit of agricultural production, both plant and animal based, with a single source of management. It includes all the animals in the holding and all the lands used fully or partially for agricultural production regardless of ownership, legal description, or area. The holding may be run by one person alone, a household consisting of two people, two households, or more. The holding’s management has a legal person similar to a company, cooperative, government agency, etc. The holding land may consist of one part or several parts that fall under the same name provided that all parts of the holding share common means of production such as laborers, machines, and agricultural equipment and that the joint means clearly demonstrate that all parts can be considered one economic unit.
3.2. Holder:
A natural person or a legal person (company or government body) that possesses administrative control over the operation and investment of the agricultural holding. This person makes key decisions regarding the use of available resources, and is in charge of technical and economic responsibilities related to the holding. They may handle all responsibilities by themselves or assign them to other paid managers. If two or more members of the same household manage the same holding, the head of the household is considered the holder.
3.3. Main Holder Occupation:
The main job executed by the holder and to which most ordinary work hours are dedicated. It is one of two occupations:
• Agriculture: When the holder dedicates more than 50% of his work yearly hours to agricultural work.
• Non-agriculture: When the holder dedicates more than 50% of his work hours a year to non-agricultural work.
3.4. Holder’s Education:
The holder’s level of education is considered to be the latest qualification they obtained successfully.
3.5. Total Holding Area:
The area covering all parts of the holding combined, including owned areas, areas leased from third parties, and any area owned by the holder through other distribution rights. It excludes any area owned by the holder that is already leased to third parties. The total area of the holding includes farmed lands, lands occupied with a farmhouse, animal shelters, squares, and roads and is measured in Dunam (1000 m2).
3.6. Owned Area:
The plot of land owned by the holder through a title deed, common instrument, or ministerial resolution and for which the holder can define the nature of use.
3.7. Leased Area:
(in exchange for money or a share of the production): A plot of land leased by the holder from third parties for a set period of time using different lease types and arrangements, whether through a fixed lease in exchange for a monetary sum or a proportional lease in exchange for a share of the production, or both.
3.8. Type of Holding:
There are two types of holdings:
• Traditional (unregulated): The most common type of agricultural holding in the Kingdom. Traditional holdings do not require previous approval or licenses from concerned authorities, and their production activities may be plant based, animal based, or both.
• Specialized (regulated): This type of holding includes preapproved holdings (projects) that have acquired a license from the concerned authorities after submitting technical and economic studies. These holdings may be specialized in plant based production, animal based production, poultry farming, or fish farming. They may also be projects that primarily adopt modern and non-traditional techniques for agricultural production and that specialize in open field or greenhouse cultivation, dairy farming, or fattening farms for calves, sheep, or poultry.
3.9. Legal Entity:
The holder’s legal status can be one of the following: individual, establishment, company, partnership, government entity, cooperative, etc. They are defined as follows:
• Individual: The common status found in traditional holdings, where the holder is one person or one household where all members of the household work together to conduct agricultural operations and produce goods.
• Establishment: The status chosen by holders who wish to invest their holdings in the form of a single establishment with a set regulation, an officially recognized legal name registered at official entities, and a commercial registration.
• Company: A term used to indicate a legal status that is officially registered under a legal name according to the Saudi Companies Law. The holding’s capital is owned by a number of individuals or entities that all form a private company, regardless of the type (partnership, joint stock, limited partnership, limited liability, etc).
• Partnership: Any form of partnership concluded between two people or more to manage, fund, and invest in a holding. One of the partners may be a work partner and the other a funding partner whereby the two divide production revenues according to an agreement. The effective holder in this case is considered to be the partner responsible for managing the holding, provided that the holding is his place of residence if he lives on the holding’s land.
• Government Entity: The holder is a government entity when the holding belongs to a government entity that has the power to dispose of its resources and to manage it, either directly or through a paid manager or establishment.
• Cooperative: A cooperative status applies to collaborative work that takes a separate status from the individuals who make up the cooperative organization. Each member of the cooperative in this case has the right to vote on administrative, production, and organizational decisions regardless of his contribution to the cooperative’s funding or to his financial contribution to its investment.
• Other: Any legal form not mentioned above. The legal status should be specified in this case.
3.10. Main Purpose of Production:
The main purpose of production may be:
• Sale: When more than 50% of the production value achieved from various holding activities during an agricultural year is allocated for sale. Production granted to third parties outside the holder’s household is for sale.
• Consumption: When more than 50% of the production value achieved from various holding activities in an agricultural year is allocated for the household’s direct consumption as is common in simple traditional holdings.
3.11. Main Activity of the Holding:
• The prevailing activity practiced by the holding which is consistent with its economic revenues, such that it represents more than 50% of the annual income of that holding. For the purposes of this agricultural census, the main activities of holdings have been divided into five categories:
• Plant: When the activity that represents over 50% of the holding’s annual income during an agricultural year is based on various permanent and temporary winter and summer crops.
• Animal: When the activity that represents over 50% of the holding’s annual income during an agricultural year is based on various types of animal resources farmed on the holding (lamb, sheep, camel, cattle, livestock) and on beehives.
• Poultry: When the activity that represents over 50% of the holding’s annual income during an agricultural year is based on various types of poultry (boiler chicken, laying chickens, parent chicken, grandparent chicken, free range chicken, other birds such as ostrich, duck, goose, quail). Rabbits are also considered poultry.
• Fish: When the activity that represents over 50% of the holding’s annual income during an agricultural year is based on the farming and aquaculture of fish in internal ponds such as farms dedicated to fish or shrimp production.
• Mixed: When the activity at the holding is mixed and none of its components represents more than 50% of the holding’s annual income during an agricultural year, provided that the holding practices three or more different activities from the following plant, animal, poultry or fish activities, and that each component represents less than 50% of the holding’s activity.
3.12. Agricultural Laborer:
An individual who at some time during the agricultural survey year works inside the holding for a cash or in-kind compensation. Agricultural labor is divided into three main types:
• Permanent Agricultural Laborer: An individual who works regularly and consistently at the holding during the agricultural year. This individual normally spends over six months at the holding. The holder is considered a permanent laborer if their main occupation is “agriculture”.
• Temporary Agricultural Laborer: An individual who works irregularly and inconsistently at the holding during the agricultural year. This type of labor is often used for short periods of time, between three and six months, to complete certain tasks such as fruit picking. The laborers’ service ends when the task assigned to them is completed.
• Casual Agricultural Laborer (Occasional): An individual who works irregularly and inconsistently at the holding during the agricultural year. Casual (occasional) labor is often used for short periods of time that do not exceed three months to complete certain tasks such as fruit picking. The laborers’ service ends when the task assigned to them is completed.
3.13. Paid Laborers:
Individuals who receive compensation for their work at the holding. They can be Saudi or non-Saudi, male or female, and members of the holder’s household or from outside the household.
3.14. Unpaid Laborers:
Individuals who do not receive compensation for their work at the holding. They can be Saudi or non-Saudi, male or female, and members of the holder’s household or from outside the household.
3.15. Main Source of Irrigation:
The main source used to irrigate the holding out of the following:
• Artesian Wells: Machine-dug wells with depths that vary according to the nature of each region. They are also called artesian aquifers.
• Hand-dug Wells: Regular wells that are usually hand-dug. They are generally deeper than artesian wells.
• Wellsprings: Wells that automatically generate water without external pumping.
• Dams: Barriers erected at the streams of valleys and water flows to preserve water and increase groundwater reservoirs, or for purposes of irrigation, control, or drinking. They can be made of cement or mud and their source of water is usually rainwater falling on valleys that gets collected in the dams. The water is used for irrigation in some regions.
• Springs: Natural formations in the shape of a cavity or crack in the earth that contains water. The water does not flow above ground like the Aflaj and Ahsa springs. They are considered a source of irrigation for nearby holdings that may extract water from the springs using pumps.
• Rain: Water that results from rainfall in many regions and is used to irrigate plants.
• Other Sources: Sources used for irrigation, such as cisterns, treated wastewater, and other sources.
3.16. Energy Used for Irrigation:
Energy resource the holding predominantly relies on for irrigation. Possible energy resources are:
• Public Electricity: The energy resource used for irrigation at the holding comes from the Saudi Electricity Company.
• Private Electricity: The energy resource used for irrigation at the holding depends on private sector operation.
• Petroleum Products: The energy resource used for irrigation at the holding depends on a petroleum product, such as diesel or petrol. These products are used at the holding during the agricultural survey year to operate the private source of energy for irrigation.
• Other: The holding depends on other energy resources for irrigation. These resources should be mentioned.
• None: The holding does not have any energy resource.
4. Indicators:
The Bulletin includes several results and indicators related to agricultural holdings, mainly:
Key Indicators
5. Statistical Classifications Used:
Classification is the process of categorizing data into a set of classes based on similarity. It is the basis for data collection and publishing across statistical fields, such as: (economic activity, products, expenses, jobs, health. etc), since it allows to place data in meaningful categories that lead to useful statistics. Data collection requires accurate and systematic categorization based on similar traits in order to produce reliable and comparable statistics. The Agricultural Holdings Survey data and data classification comply with international standards, and the Bulletin’s terms and concepts are derived from the FAO World Programme for the Census of Agriculture 2020.
6. Survey Form Design:
• Field Data Collection Forms: The survey form was drafted and designed by agricultural survey experts at GASTAT. International recommendations, standards, and definitions were considered during the design of these forms, which were presented to agricultural statistics experts and specialists. They were also presented to concerned entities for insight and comments. The questions were redrafted based on a specific scientific approach aimed at unifying the structure of questions asked by researchers.
After the survey form was approved, it was turned into electronic format that could be handled through advanced data collection systems on tablet devices. The system includes the following:
1- Presentation of the field researcher’s work location (survey sample).
2- Access to the sample (agricultural holding) using the device’s maps.
3- High-quality data collection using data and transfer accuracy checks (to automatically identify entry errors and illogical entries at the moment of data collected).
4- Communication between supervising entities by sending and receiving comments to and from the field researcher.
7. Coverage:
7.1. Spatial Coverage:
The Agricultural Holdings Survey Bulletin covers data related to agricultural holdings and their holders in all 13 administrative regions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which are: Riyadh, Makkah Al Mukarramah, Al Madinah Al Munawwarah, Al Qaseem, Eastern Region, Aseer, Tabuk, Hail, Northern Borders, Jazan, Najran, Al Bahah, and Al Jawf. A scientifically selected sample to represent the region’s holdings is visited in each region.
7.2. Temporal Coverage
The data of the Agricultural Holdings Survey relies on the following in terms of agricultural holdings and their characteristics:
1- Day of Visiting the Holding: The date used for data concerning the holder and their household members is the date of filling out the form (the day the researcher visits the agricultural holding).
2- The remaining data is dated back to 2017 (1/1/2017 till 31/12/2017, falling on 3/4/1438 till 13/4/1439 AH).
8. Agricultural Holdings Survey Statistical Framework:
• The Agricultural Census Framework (2015) was used as reference for a list of all society components.
• The statistical characteristics, specifications, maps and lists for respondent (agricultural holders) selection were identified.
• The descriptive data required for establishing the statistical framework was specified, and the test framework was established, validated and used for the current survey round.
9. Sample design:
1) The survey population was divided in separate parts whose units are relatively homogenous. Each part was a layer, and each layer an independent population.
2) Then, a random sample was selected independently from each layer. Finally, all sample units were combined to form the full unit.
3) The sample framework was designed in layers based on administrative regions and type of holding (traditional or specialized). After that, the holding sample volume was weighted using a method that suits the volume, and sample units were picked from each layer separately using regular random selection, which produced a final sample of (19,811) holdings across the kingdom.
4) The optimal sample unit selection methodology was chosen to provide high-quality outputs while minimizing data provider effort using well-known statistical methods, such as rotation and controlling overlaps.
5) The descriptive data required for establishing the statistical framework was selected and the sample was specified.
6) The sample was then tested, evaluated, validated and used in the current survey round.
7) The unit of observation for agricultural surveys is the agricultural holding.
Phase 3: Organization
The final preparation stage, preceding visiting agricultural holdings and collecting data. In this stage, the required procedures for constructing the Agricultural Holdings Survey were developed, organized and compiled starting with the Collection Phase and ending with the Evaluation Phase. The optimal procedure sequence was chosen to achieve the survey’s objectives. The procedures were also described and documented to streamline making updates to them in future rounds. The statistical workflow procedures were tested to ensure the fulfillment of the final Agricultural Holdings Survey, then approved, and finally, the implementation roadmap was developed.
This stage was marked by the process of testing the efficiency of the input systems, and survey data synchronization and audit using tablets or desktops.
Phase 4: Collection
1.4 Survey’s data collection:
First: the survey’s sample was selected by identifying 20,274 holdings as a selected and representative sample for the survey population in the Kingdom divided by administrative regions as follows:
Second: The candidates working as field researchers, who visited the households to collect data (Agricultural Holding Survey), were selected according to a number of practical and objective criteria related to the nature of work, such as:
• Education level.
• Experience in fieldwork.
• Personal qualities, such as: good conduct, medical and psychological fitness with no sensory disability.
• The candidate must pass the training program of the Labour Force Survey.
• Not less than 20 years old.
Third: All candidates (GASTAT staff and collaborators from some government entities) have been prepared through special training programs, as follows:
• Conduct a training program for the specialized staff at GASTAT’s headquarter for one week
• Conduct similar training programs for the collaborators of inspectors, monitors and researchers in various regions of Saudi Aribia
Fourth: Direct contact with the agricultural holder in the process of completing the survey questionnaire and data collection: Each field researcher visited the agricultural holdings within the sample of the survey after reaching them using the coordinates in the tablet and the guide maps. He also identified himself and presented the official documents proving his statistical identity. In addition, he explained the purpose of his visit and provided an overview of the survey and its objectives. Furthermore, the researcher filled in the electronic questionnaire orally from the holders. In the absence of the holder , the data was collected from any adult member of the agricultural holding who knows about its affairs.
Fifth: All field researchers used tablets to complete survey questionnaire data based on the time reference specified according to the agricultural holdings and their characteristics.
Sixth: Field researchers in different regions of the Saudi Arabia used the "synchronization" feature available on tablets to upload and transfer the data directly to the database associated with it at the headquarters of GASTAT, where it is stored in a specific format for review and subsequent processing.
Seventh: (Auditing rules) are applied to ensure the consistency, accuracy and logic of the data on the Survey questionnaire. This is done through an (electronic bases that detect the discrepancy of answers). These bases were built by linking the logical relationship between the answers of the questionnaire and its variables to help the field researcher to detect any error directly when completing data with the household. These bases will not allow the passing of errors if the answer conflicts with another information or answer in the questionnaire.
Eighth: The data collected was verified by reviewing the data through the same field researcher, his inspector and the supervisor on the survey in the supervision area. All the work areas were subjected to a process of monitoring and reviewing from the data quality room at the headquarters of GASTAT. This room also monitors and controls the performance of all working groups in the field in synchronization with the time of the data collection process implementation from the first day to the last day.
Phase 5: Categorization
The categorization of raw data on the specialized agricultural projects relied on the classification and coding input during the data collection phase, such as the FAO World Programme for the Census of Agriculture 2020.
Data from to the Agricultural Holdings Survey has been displayed in tables to facilitate its summarizing, understanding and drawing conclusions from this data, as well as comparing it to other data, observing statistical significance as it relates to the study’s population, and viewing data without the need to go back the original forms. These tables contain information like the names of agricultural holders, agricultural holdings’ addresses, and names of survey respondents, which violates statistical anonymity. In this phase, data was processed through a number of steps, such as:
First: Validating data comprehensiveness and logic:
Data was reviewed to ensure its comprehensiveness and logic, in addition to matching it to ensure its accuracy and correctness in a way that suits the nature of the data. Results were derived and reviewed in the stages following Categorization to enhance the quality and accuracy of the statistics.
Second: Data anonymization:
To ensure data anonymity, GASTAT removed respondent identifiers from the field survey data, such as holder’s name, holding address and other information, in order to protect people’s privacy.
Phase 6: Review
First: Validating data outputs:
After the collected data was reviewed, results were analyzed and extracted and outputs were uploaded to and stored in the database. Final reviews were then conducted by agricultural statistics specialists using modern techniques and software designed for review and accuracy checks.
Second: Dealing with confidential data:
Pursuant to the Royal Decree No.(23) of 07/12/1397, GASTAT is committed to the complete confidentiality of all collected data, and to not using it except for statistical purposes. Therefore, the data is safely stored and protected on GASTAT’s data servers.
Phase 7: Publishing
First: Preparing results for publishing:
In this stage, GASTAT uploaded the data results to the agricultural holdings surveys database. It then prepared publication tables and graphics for data and indicators, and added description and methodology information as seen in this Bulletin. These were prepared in both Arabic and English.
Second: Preparing media content and announcing the Bulletin:
At the start of the Gregorian year, GASTAT announced the dates for issuing the Bulletin through its official website. At this stage, it prepared the media content related to the announcement to be sent to all media outlets and published on its own social media accounts. The announcement will be made on the date of publication and the Bulletin will be initially published on the official website in various forms compatible with Excel. This guarantees its circulation and access to all clients and parties interested in agricultural statistics. The Bulletin will be included in the website’s statistics library.
Third: Communicating with clients and sending them the Bulletin:
GASTAT places great importance on communicating with clients who use its data Therefore, upon publication of the Agricultural Holdings Survey Bulletin, GASTAT will communicate with clients to provide them with the Bulletin. It will also receive questions and enquiries from clients regarding the Bulletin and its results through various communication channels, also used to request data. Enquiries are received through:
- GASTAT website: www.stats.gov.sa
- GASTAT email: info@stats.gov.sa
- Client Support email: cs@stats.gov.sa
- Visiting GASTAT headquarters in Riyadh or one of its branches in the Kingdom.
- Official letters.
- Phone: 920020081
Fourth: Maintaining published content:
GASTAT understands the importance of storing collected data in electronic format, therefore, GASTAT Documents and Archives Center stored and archived the data of this Bulletin for ease of retrieval when needed.
Phase 8: Evaluation
After the Bulletin was published and sent to all GASTAT clients, clients are contacted again to evaluate the whole statistical process for continuous improvement and in order to obtain high-quality data. Improvements may be applied to approaches, processes, systems, statistical specialist skills, and statistical frameworks. This phase is done in cooperation with data users and GASTAT clients in the following steps:
First: Collecting quantitative assessment inputs:
Key feedback is collected and documented across phases, including the Collection Phase, such as the comments and feedback received from data collectors and field supervisors, and the Review Phase, such as feedback received from field data review, audit and analysis experts. Finally, feedback is collected from data users after publishing and documented, in addition to media and client feedback GASTAT receives through its main channels.
Second: Conducting evaluation:
The collected evaluation input was analyzed, and the results of this analysis were compared to previous expectations. Accordingly, potential improvements and solutions were identified and discussed with experts and stakeholders were involved. In this stage, the performance of clients’ use of the survey’s results and their satisfaction is measured. Based on that, recommendations are developed to enhance the quality of the next survey data results.
Phase 9: Management
A comprehensive stage that spans over all survey production phases. This stage determines the general production plan, including the case study, risk management, funding, spending mechanisms, KPIs and quality parameters, the required HR plan for production, as well as following up on the tasks assigned to each department in each phase and preparing reports to ensure that GASTAT fulfills its commitments towards its clients.
God is the Arbiter of Success
نوع الصفحة:
المنهجية