Lilongwe University of Agriculture and

Natural Resources

TO: DR MACHILA
FROM:
NAMES REG NUMBERS SIGNATURE
ANNIE 220101104
MWENYEMASI
THEMBA KAYUNI 220101091
PRAISE NYIRENDA 220101106
WINNERS MLOMBA 220101099
DOREEN NYAKA 220101105
STEPHEN GOLIATH 220101088
ANTONY MHONE 220101098
CHISOMO BANDA 220101077
KONDWANI 220101079
CHAOMBA
MERCY KILIYANTI 220101092
STELLA CHIKAPA 220101083

COURSE NAME: DEMOGRAPHY AND ECONOMICS

COURSE CODE: DEC 32202
PROGRAM NAME: BIOSTATISTICS
PROGRAM CODE: BBST
QUESTION 1

USES OF DEMOGRAPHIC STATISTICS

I. Population Projection and Planning

- Forecasting population growth and distribution by formulating policies related to
healthcare.
- Types of data required: Current population, birth rates, death rates, migration
statistics
- Difficulties: Limited resources for data collection, accuracy and reliability of data,
estimating future trends

II. Social and Economic Development

- Assessing the impact of population on economic indicators
- Types of data required: Income levels, employment rates, education levels, fertility
rates, mortality rates, migration patterns
- Difficulties: Lack of comprehensive data on informal sector employment,
difficulties in measuring certain aspects (e.g., informal economy, remittances)

III. Health Planning and Epidemiological Studies

- This involves identifying and understanding age distribution , prevalent diseases,
health needs and trends aiding in healthcare infrastructures.
- Types of data required: Mortality rates, disease prevalence, healthcare utilization,
age-specific morbidity rates
- Difficulties: Incomplete coverage of healthcare services, under reporting of certain
diseases, challenges in data standardization across different healthcare providers

IV. Social Welfare and Poverty Reduction

- Identifying vulnerable populations and targeting social assistance programs,ensuring
that assistance reaches those who need it most.
- Types of data required: Poverty rates, household income, household composition,
access to social services
- Difficulties: Limited resources for data collection, difficulties in measuring informal
income and non-monetary poverty indicators
V. Urban Planning and Infrastructure Development
- City planners use demographic statistics to design and build infrastructure, housing
and transport systems that accommodate population size,age and spatial distribution
- Types of data required: Population distribution, urbanization rates, housing
conditions, transportation patterns
- Difficulties: Rapid urbanization, informal settlements, difficulties in obtaining
accurate population data for large cities.

QUESTION :2
The major sources of demographic data for Eastern African countries and Western
countries since 1950 include national censuses, surveys and vital registration systems.
Let’s briefly describe the quality and scope of data obtained from these sources
A: National censuses
 Censuses are conducted periodically by governments to collect comprehensive
demographic information about their populations
 They provide data on population size, age, mortality rates, migration patterns
and other soclo-economic characteristics
 Censuses generally have high data quality and coverage as they aim to include
the entire population. However, the frequency of censuses may vary across
countries may face challenges in conducting accurate and timely censuses due
to logistical and resource constraints
B: Surveys
 Various survey such as household surveys and heath surveys are conducted to
gather detailed demographic data
 These surveys collect information on population characteristics, health
indicators, education, employment and other soclo economic factors
 Surveys often have smaller sample sizes compared to censuses but provide more
in-depth information
 The quality of survey data depends on the sampling methodology, questionnaire
design, and data collection techniques
  Surveys can be conducted periodically or on an ad-hoc basis, depending on the
specific research objectives
C: Vital registration system
 Vital registration systems records birth, deaths and causes of death
 These systems are essential for tracking population dynamics and health
indicators, however the quality and coverage of vital registration systems can
vary across

QUESTION 7
Why have so many censuses resulted in the under enumeration of the population?
What factor might lead to over-enumeration?
 Failure to cover whole land area of a country in creating enumeration areas.
 Ambiguous definitions of enumeration areas, unclear boundaries of
enumeration area, facility maps or coverage error during the pre-census listing
exercise.
 Mistakes made by enumerators in covering assigned area.

Factors that might lead to over-enumeration

 Errors in data collection.
 Duplication of records or inaccuracies in counting.

Question 8
Sampling can be used as an aid to censuses in several ways.

Firstly, it can help to reduce the costs and resources required for conducting a full
enumeration of a population. Instead of counting each individual in a country like
Malawi, which has a population of approximately 20 million people, a sampling
method can select a smaller representative sample that can provide estimates for the
entire population. This can significantly reduce the financial burden and logistical
challenges associated with conducting a full census.

Secondly, sampling can yield results in a shorter timeframe compared to a full census.
Conducting a full enumeration can take a considerable amount of time, whereas a
well-designed and executed sampling process can produce relatively quick and
accurate estimates.

Thirdly, sampling can help to improve the accuracy and precision of census estimates.
By utilizing statistical techniques, such as random sampling and stratification, it is
possible to obtain highly reliable estimates for key population characteristics with a
smaller sample size. This precision can be particularly useful in identifying population
trends, understanding demographic

QUESTION 9
Would it be practicable in the statistically developing countries of Africa to establish
a continuous population register which would obviate the need for censuses? Would
you recommend the establishment of such a register?
 Establishing a continuous population register in statistically developing
countries in Africa offers many advantage. A continuous register could provide
real time data, allowing for more timely and accurate information on
population demographics, migrations and other key indicator. This could
enhance the effectiveness of public policies, health care and planning.

Would you recommend the establishment of such a register?

 While there are different practical challenges it would be advised to conduct a
thorough cost benefit analysis considering both short term challenges and long
term benefits, collaborating with different international organization and using
modern technology.

Question 10

Region country Census Total Age Sex

year population distribution distribution
 West Nigeria 1960 - 215,170,536 0 - Female
Africa 1970 15(years) 49.6%
44.1%
East Ethiopia 1971 - 115,673,571 0 - Female
Africa 1981 15(years) 50.1%
42.7%
Central Democratic 1982 - 91,032.743 0- Female
Africa Republic 2002 15(years) 50.9%
of Congo 44.5%
North Egypt 2003 - 102,357,693 0 - Female
Africa 2013 15(years) 49,9%
33.5%

According to the data collected from the survey that conducted from 1960 to 2013,
the region with the country that have got the highest population is the West Africa
with the population of 215,170,536.
The region with the highest number of age distribution from 0 – 15 years is Central
Africa with the 44.5% compared to the others regions and the region with the large
number of sex distribution ( number of female in the each region) is the central Africa
with the percentage of 50.9%

QUESTION 11
(a) Non-sampling error refers to errors or inaccuracies that occur in data collection,
processing, and analysis that are not related to the random selection of the sample.
These errors can arise due to a variety of factors, such as flaws in the survey design,
data entry mistakes, measurement errors, non-response bias, and processing errors.
Non-sampling errors can affect the quality and reliability of the survey results.

(b) Sampling error, on the other hand, is the difference between the characteristics of
a sample and the characteristics of the entire population from which the sample is
drawn. It occurs because researchers cannot feasibly collect data from the entire
population, so they select a subset, or sample, to make inferences about the larger
population. Sampling error is inevitable and is affected by factors such as sample size,
sampling design, and the variability within the population.

In censuses and surveys, several types of non-sampling errors may occur. Some
common examples include:

1. Coverage Error: This error occurs when certain units of the population are excluded
or duplicated in the sampling frame. It can happen due to outdated or incomplete lists
of population units, such as missing households or individuals.

2. Non-response Error: Non-response occurs when selected units in the sample do not
provide data or refuse to participate. Non-response can introduce bias if the non-
respondents differ systematically from the respondents in terms of the variables being
measured.

3. Measurement Error: This error arises from inaccuracies or biases in the process of
measuring the variables of interest. It can result from respondents' misunderstandings,
vague questions, interviewer effects, or errors in data recording or processing.

4. Processing Error: Errors may occur during data entry, coding, or data cleaning
stages. These errors can be introduced by human operators or through software
glitches, leading to incorrect or inconsistent data.

5. Selection Bias: Selection bias occurs when the process of selecting the sample does
not properly represent the target population. It can happen if certain groups are
systematically overrepresented or underrepresented in the sample, leading to biased
estimates.

6. Misclassification Error: Misclassification error occurs when units are incorrectly

assigned to specific categories or groups. It can happen due to errors in data coding or
misinterpretation of responses.

Efforts are made in censuses and surveys to minimize both non-sampling and
sampling errors through careful planning, design, and data collection protocols.
However, it is important to acknowledge that some level of error is inherent in any
statistical analysis and interpretation of survey data.

12.Discuss the uses of post-enumeration surveys in Africa. What are the difficulties
and problems of implementing such a survey
To start with uses
1.To measure under-coverage or over-coverage of persons and in some cases
households/housing units.It is possible to design a survey so that reliable estimates of
under-count or over-count can be obtained for geographical areas.
2.provides for some countries, a statistical basis for adjustment of census results. On
the basis of net coverage rates adjustments may be made to the population census
results since under or over counts can be converted into adjustment factor and the
census population increased or decreased by such adjustment factors.
3.Offers the opportunity to learn from procedural and conceptual limitations in the
census which need improvement in future censuses to many African countries. A
post-enumeration can identify erroneous procedures used in censuses.
Difficulties and problems are:
1.Lack of financial resources after investing so much in a census. Post-enumeration
surveys are done at a time in which country have already encountered census
expenses.
2.The design of the survey, matching and estimation procedures may be perceived to
be complex.These problems can be solved or mitigated by have good sample survey
methodologists and analysts including employing well-trained enumerators and
matching clerks and supervisors which is problem in African countries.