Data collection process

To perform the data collection exercise effec-tively, eight key steps were taken, as summa-rized in table 2.

Where applicable, local units of measurement other than counts/pieces were standardized (e.g. kilograms, litres etc.) using conversion factors estimated as part of the border-profiling exercise. The app also contained a predetermined classification of goods to facilitate collation of trade data into designated categories and HS codes at HS-6 level. Data from the app were transmitted to a central server for consolidation and verification.

Table 2: Abidjan–Lagos corridor data collection process

Step Description

1. Border-profiling An initial border-profiling exercise took place along the Abidjan–Lagos corridor between 28 March and 1 April 2019 in order to inform the selection of border points for data collection and gain a better understanding of the characteristics of the borders, nearby markets and traders. The findings of the border-profiling exercise are presented in section 2.4 of this report.

2. Select borders for monitoring

The five border crossings on the Abidjan–Lagos corridor for monitoring were selected on the basis of volume of trade, communications infrastructure,

transport links, availability of supporting institutions and availability of appropriate personnel to recruit as enumerators, while considering logistical and financial limitations.

3. Develop a border-monitoring schedule

A monitoring schedule was developed to achieve reliable and consistent results.

This schedule required data to be collected six days a week for four months.

Additionally, data was collected on one randomly selected Sunday each month, meaning one full week of data was collected per month. The selected Sundays for data collection were 15 September, 13 and 20 October, 17 and 24 November and 1 December. This data was used to estimate trade flows for the Sundays on which data was not collected.

Step Description 4. Validate and test the

methodology and data collection tools

The methodology was tested between 31 July and 25 August 2019. A coordination meeting of national institutions was held on 31 July and 1 August 2019. ECA and the Eastern Africa Grain Council presented the proposed informal cross-border trade data collection methodology for West Africa and received comments and inputs from ministries of trade, central banks and the national statistics offices of Benin, Cote d’Ivoire, Ghana, Nigeria and Togo. The data collection tools on the ECO-RATIN app were also presented to stakeholders for validation. Following incorporation of comments from stakeholders, the project team tested the methodology and tools in the field at all data collection border points between 2 August and 25 August 2019. The tool performed well, including for Internet connectivity. Following the testing of the methodology, a few adjustments were made to account for contextual specificities along the corridor.

5. Recruit and train the data collection team*

The data collection team was composed of enumerators, coordinators and a supervisor. The data collection team consisted of candidates from the national statistics offices of Nigeria and Togo, the Ghana Customs Office, the ECOWAS Directorate of Free Movement, and customs clearing agents from Benin and Côte d’Ivoire. At all border crossings, between one and four enumerators were present on each side of the border and were responsible for daily data collection (based on the level of economic activity at the crossings as assessed during the border-profiling exercise). In total, thirteen enumerators and four coordinators were engaged. A coordinator was present at each border point to compile and transmit data collected by enumerators and to support enumerators in data collection. An Abidjan–Lagos corridor supervisor was responsible for verifying data collection, monthly reporting and engaging relevant agencies or stakeholders to validate or enrich the data collected by enumerators. All data collection personnel were trained in the data collection methodology and provided with data collection tools (mobile tablets installed with the data collection app and geofenced to ensure that data entry was possible only at the border).

6. Collect informal cross-border trade data

The informal cross-border trade data collection exercise took place from 1 September to 31 December 2019 at the five selected border crossings along the corridor. Data were collected as per the schedule described in (3) above.

7. Carry out random spot check and provide technical support for quality control

A random spot check was conducted during the period 14–25 October 2019 to review progress on data collection, verify the quality of data collection, identify and address the data collection challenges experienced by the teams on the ground and enhance their capacity to improve data collection. The Eastern Africa Grain Council provided daily remote support to the data collection teams.

This support entailed weekly online meetings with teams on the ground to discuss progress updates, resolve challenges encountered in data collection, and incorporate emerging suggestions by the data collection teams. The Council also provided remote support to troubleshoot technical challenges experienced on the ECO-RATIN app. A WhatsApp group was created for each crossing to facilitate live support and rapid response.

1. Introduction

Step Description

8. Process and analyse data

Quantitative data collected through the ECO-RATIN app was pooled into a single Excel® database to facilitate analysis. The analysis was mostly descriptive.

Qualitative data from the coordinator and enumerator reports were synthesized to identify common themes.

* Each border point had enumerators and a coordinator strategically positioned where informal cross-border trade was observed to be prevalent: Seme-Krake border (four enumerators, one coordinator), Hillacondji-Sanveecondji (two enumerators, one coordinator), Aflao–Kodjoviakope (four enumerators, one coordinator), Segbe-Kpoglo (one enumerator and one coordinator, who supported Aflao –Kodjoviakope), Elubo-Noe (two enumerators, one coordinator).

Photo 1: Interviews of enumerator candidates at Aflao

Source: Reports from the informal cross-border trade project.

Photo 2: Practical training on the ECO-RATIN technology for enumerators and coordinators

Source: Reports from the informal cross-border trade data collection activity.

1.3.5. Data collection instrument