DEMOGRAPHIC-DATA COLLECTION IN LESS-DEVELOPED-COUNTRIES 1946-1996

This evolution over the last 50 years of data collection systems in le ss developed countries is assessed. The progress made by civil registr ation systems has been extremely disappointing. Except in Central and South America, their role in providing vital rate estimates is still v ery limited. In contrast, the promulgation of regular population censu ses has been a success, particularly in Africa. The relative merits an d demerits of different types of demographic surveys are described. To some extent multi-round designs have given way to single-round survey s, such as the Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). DHS-style enquiri es are particularly suitable for evaluation of interventions but are l ess appropriate if the main aim is to measure vital rates.