The CWIQ is a household survey that measures changes in key social indicators for different population groups, specifically indicators of access, utilization and satisfaction with core social and economic services. It is a very effective tool for improving project and sector programme design and the targeting of services towards the poor and most disadvantaged communities. When repeated annually, the CWIQ becomes a monitoring tool for assessing implementation effectiveness and the impact of programmes/projects on living conditions. The CWIQ is being used increasingly as one of the key tools for monitoring PRPSP[1].

To ensure data is collected easily and is reliable and correct, the CWIQ incorporates numerous features, such as simple and multiple choice questionnaires, high quality field work, use of pre-programmed validation procedures, optical scanners etc.

The CWIQ consists of three pilot phases. In the first, the consultant concentrates on the pre-pilot phases at the end of which the consultant will decide on the appropriate measure to be taken within the pilot phase. In due course, the first and second surveys will be rolled out. To implement the questionnaire, the consultant is assisted by an international expert. Within the first week of the mission 3 countries were completed, followed by another 2 in the second week.

Following the completion of the pilot, a workshop was to be hosted, in which the countries could exchange their experiences, lessons learned in due course as well as their methodology in collecting relevant data. The latter being most important in locating the CWIQ within the framework of data collecting instruments giving it the ability to function not only as primary research, but also as a complementary tool. This is of utmost importance as these deliberations will inform and guide the process as programme countries seek to benefit from this enhanced system of poverty monitoring.

Poverty Reduction Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Organization of Eastern Carribean States