Note: [] Corresponding author: Ali Mushtaq, 1331 S Eads St {\#}1704,
Arlington, VA 22202, USA. Tel.: +1 813 597 7818; E-mail:
[email protected]
Abstract: The objective of this paper is to present an application of
multivariate raking ratio adjustment with some refinements. Specifically, we
applied raking to help improve the measurement of poverty in Armenia. This work
was undertaken in conjunction with a Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC)
2006 grant to reduce rural poverty in Armenia through economic growth. The
Armenian Integrated Living Conditions Survey (ILCS) was used to measure
poverty, so that the impact of the MCC grant could be assessed. We used raking
techniques to adjust survey sampling weights so that totals match that of
Armenian census projections. This adjustment required the incorporation of a
refinement to the standard raking procedure to adjust multiple demographic
dimensions: by person-level variables age and gender, and household-level
geography variables. This paper describes the application of raking in this
context, and provides background on the MCC work in Armenia. We contend that
the work done here was a success because of its collaborative nature, which is
leading to a fully sustainable effort long-term. Collaborative work of this
type, across cultures and, indeed, across the world is rewarding, both
professionally and personally. It never ceases to amaze how much official
statisticians have in common, wherever they are found.
Keywords: Raking ratio adjustment, monitoring and evaluation
