iGA Bahrain launches household income and expenditure survey

TDT | Manama                                                     

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The Information and eGovernment Authority (iGA) has launched the Household Income and Expenditure Survey 2024.

The survey’s aim is to gather data from a random sample of around 6,000 households, both Bahraini and non-Bahraini, and understand household expenditures on goods, identify the most commonly used goods and services contributing to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and observe the price changes of these goods, which reflect inflation rates and directly influence bank interest rates.

The survey also supports the development of governmental economic, social, and environmental policies and programmes.

The launch was announced yesterday by iGA statistics and population registry deputy chief executive Duaa Alharban, who said that the survey will run from January to December 2024, in line with the directives of Interior Minister and Ministerial Committee for Information Communications and Technology (MCICT) chairman General Shaikh Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa.

Approximately 35 field researchers, who were carefully selected and have undergone extensive training, are conducting the survey.

Alharban underscored its role in improving government operations, enhancing the livelihoods of individuals and communities, and enabling government bodies to make informed decisions and develop aligned strategies and initiatives for both Bahraini and non-Bahraini families and to bolster social programmes.

She said that as part of a new approach, selected families will be contacted via the call center (17878070) for the visits to be scheduled at convenient times, facilitating better interaction and data accuracy, and building stronger trust in the process.

Researchers will conduct at least four visits to each household during the survey period to complete various forms on electronic tablets.

This method aims to reduce errors and ensure greater data accuracy and reliability.

The forms cover housing characteristics, income sources, expenditures on durable goods and services, and a daily expense record, which families will fill out directly via an electronic link or paper form.

Following the data collection, field supervisors will review the completed forms, which will then be analysed by a specialised team to reveal indicators such as average family income, expenditures, and size, all of which are crucial for policy and planning.

Alharban urged Bahraini and non-Bahraini families to cooperate to ensure the survey’s success, pledging the highest standards of confidentiality and data security.

The iGA has been conducting this survey since 1974-1975, with the fifth one carried out in 2014-2015.