World fertility survey (International Statistical Institute)

Evaluation covers the period 1/77-7/80 and summarizes an attached special evaluation (XD-AAJ-133-A). The project is on target. Of the 42 participating countries, 23 have produced country reports and provided edited data tapes to WFS/London in accordance with their subagreements. The other 19 countries will publish their reports by mid-1983. WFS has pursued its aim of according high priority to data analysis by holding national meetings on the country reports; providing technical and financial assistance for further analysis projects (250 of which have been completed or are underway); conducting 1-3 month country and regional analysis workshops on key issues such as the evaluation of birth histories; commissioning or producing illustrative analyses and technical bulletins on applying the latest analytical techniques to WFS data; and maintaining an active data archive service including the creation, distribution, and periodic updating of standard recode tapes and limited production of special tabulations on request. WFS is also cooperating with international organizations such as the United Nations to facilitate extensive comparative analysis of WFS data. A global WFS conference attended by 600 people from 90 countries was convened in London in 1980 and offered a unique opportunity to disseminate WFS findings, discuss future research priorities, and critically appraise WFS"s work. An important unplanned effect was the emergence of quality data previously lacking on infant mortality. At the sub-goal level, WFS has not only been the single most important source of demographic data during the past decade, but also has been a model for similar research projects such as the Contraceptive Prevalence Studies and the Birth and Death Data Collection projects. {It is recommended that WFS support be continued well beyond 1982 to enable WFS to complete ongoing surveys and analyses, modify the core questionnaire, revise survey manuals, assist selected countries in undertaking further fertility surveys, and assure maintenance of WFS"s standards of excellence.