Page 418 - Invited Paper Session (IPS) - Volume 2

IPS302 Maia Guntsadze
Linking the Population and Housing Census with
the Agricultural Census: Technological advances
and new opportunities for developing countries
(Georgian case study)
Maia Guntsadze
Tbilisi Open University

Abstract
This paper reviews innovative approaches used in Georgia for Linking the
Population and Housing Census with the Agricultural Census. In November
2014 the National Statistics Office of Georgia (Geostat), for the first time,
conducted Agricultural Census together with General Population Census.
More precisely, there were four different censuses conducted at the same time:
Housing Census, Population Census, Census of Emigrants and Agricultural
Census. Aiming at preparing high-quality digital maps for census data
collection/dissemination and using financial means/time in more effective
way, Geostat implemented Geographic Information System (GIS). At the first
stage, GIS group, which was created at Geostat, developed GIS maps using
cartographic material available in the country. A supplementary work was
done to cover the territories where cartographic material was missing. In order
to minimize household/holding duplication and missing risks and effectively
distribute work among census enumerators, Geostat conducted preliminary
field works in 2013 and elaborated list of dwellings and households existing in
Georgia. This information was digitalized and integrated to the cartographic
data. Census of Agriculture for Legal Entities was conducted separately from
General Population Census and covered all legal entities engaged in
agriculture. It was the first time that Geostat used web-based questionnaire
for Census of Agriculture and all enterprises participating in the census filled
in these questionnaires. This paper will describe technological advances, new
opportunities and benefits that Geostat received from conducting Census of
Agriculture together with General Population Census, implementing GIS and
using web-based questionnaires.

Keywords
Georgia; census; survey; statistics; agriculture; new opportunities

1. Introduction
Georgia is rich in agricultural tradition, which is an integral part of its
history, mentality and cultural heritage. Agriculture played an important role
in formation of the Georgian statehood and contributed much to its economic
development. 43.4% (more than 3 million hectares) of the whole territory of
Georgia is designated as agricultural land, which also includes pastures and

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