Nigeria - General Household Survey - Panel 2010-2019, Uniform Panel Data

Panel data possess several advantages over conventional cross-sectional and time-series data, including their power to isolate the effects of specific actions, treatments, and general policies often at the core of large-scale econometric development studies. While the concept of panel data alone provides the capacity for modeling the complexities of human behavior, the notion of universal panel data – in which time- and situation-driven variances leading to variations in tools, and thus results, are mitigated – can further enhance exploitation of the richness of panel information.The Basic Information Document (BID) provides a brief overview of the Nigerian General Household Survey (GHS) but focuses primarily on the theoretical development and application of panel data, as well as key elements of the universal panel survey instrument and datasets generated by the four rounds of the GHS. As the BID does not describe in detail the background, development, or use of the GHS itself, the wave-specific GHS BIDs should supplement the information provided here.The Nigeria Universal Panel Data (NUPD) consists of both survey instruments and datasets from the two survey visits of the GHS - Post-Planting (PP) and Post-Harvest (PH) - meticulously aligned and engineered with the aim of facilitating the use of and improving access to the wealth of panel data offered by the GHS. The NUPD provides a consistent and straightforward means of conducting user-driven analyses using convenient, standardized tools.The design of the NUPD combines the four completed Waves of the GHS Household Post-Planting and Post-Harvest Surveys – Wave 1 (2010/11), Wave 2 (2012/13), Wave 3 (2015/16), and Wave 4 (2018/19) – into pooled, module-specific survey instruments and datasets. The panel survey instruments offer the ease of comparability over time, with modifications and variances easily identifiable as well as those aspects of the questionnaire which have remained identical and offer consistent information. By providing all module-specific data over time within compact, pooled datasets, panel datasets eliminate the need for user-generated merges between rounds and present data in a clear, logical format, increasing both the usability and comprehension of complex data.