FSM Receives Funding for Income Survey

Washington, D.C. – The Office of Insular Affairs (OIA) awarded a $60,363 grant to assist the Federated States of Micronesia's (FSM) in their efforts to conduct a Household Income and Expenditure Survey (HEIS). The survey, administered once every five years is carried out by the FSM's Office of SBOC, which is responsible for statistics and compact management. The 2010 HEIS coincided with the 2010 Census and was consequently delayed by a year. The expected completion is December 2011.

The 2005 HEIS was instrumental in enabling the FSM to provide data on the distribution of income, compile its national accounts, provide nutritional information and food consumption patterns for families, and conduct a poverty hardship assessment.

"I commend the FSM government for making the HEIS a priority. Without sound economic data and statistics it becomes difficult for policy-makers to target government funding effectively and ensure vulnerable populations are being properly served," said Assistant Secretary for Insular Areas Tony Babauta.

The 2011 Survey is expected to cover regular household units, gathering data relating to income and expenditure that include standard economic and population demographics and statistics.

The HEIS is a sample survey involving the interview of a national sample of around 10% of households spread across the four states of Micronesia. Efforts are also underway to ensure the HEIS meets regional quality control and compliance standards set forth by the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, an international organization that provides technical and policy advice and assistance, training and research services to its Pacific Island members.

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