A. What is an enumeration area (EA)
1. A census Enumeration Area (EA) is a geographical statistical unit created in the SLPHC 2015, containing an average of about 100 households and the size may vary from 80 to 120 households.
2. However, owing to other factors, mainly population density, geographic terrain and distances to be traveled, households and vastness of the area concerned the size may be lower or more than the prescribed range.
3. An EA is usually a city block in urban areas; a locality, or a part of a locality, or a group of localities in the rural areas, with its location and boundaries well defined and recorded on census maps.
B. Enumeration area map interpretation
1. Enumeration areas are to a large extent consistent with the boundaries of administrative divisions and other existing natural or built reference features like roads, rivers and other landmarks. This is done so that EAs can be recognized without ambiguity. Each enumerator will be given a map to clearly identify his/her assigned EA.
2. The EA is highlighted to show clear delineation from other EAs and a legend is provided to explain the features on the map.
3. The geographic identification table provides the information required to be filled on the identification particulars on the questionnaire.
4. Enumerators should ensure that the names and codes information is entered on the questionnaire exactly as they are shown on the identification table on the map.
C. Enumeration areas (EAs) in the urban areas
1. In the urban areas (with dense population) the EAs are delineated following clearly identifiable boundaries such as streets, rivers, streams, roads, tracks, footpaths, swamps and other landmarks such as dwelling units, mosques, churches etc.
2. The EAs are often a block of structures along streets, streams or footpaths.
3. Where the EA boundary is imaginary, such as unplanned areas, the names of dwellings on each side of the EA boundary have been plotted.
4. EA boundary descriptions are provided on the maps in situations of insufficient landmarks.
D. Enumeration areas (EAS) in the rural areas
1. In the rural areas (with sparse populations) the EAs comprise of distinct villages whose locations are clearly marked on the maps.
2. The EAs are delineated purely on the basis of localities and the boundaries are fixed arbitrarily.
3. The EAs often comprise: part of a village; a whole village or group of villages.
4. The localities are shown on the map and on the identification table.
E. Locating the enumeration area (EA)
1. The Enumerator will be provided with a map showing the extent of the EA assigned to him/her.
2. Upon arrival in the EA, the Enumerator should identify its boundaries and get general information of the EA.
3. In most cases, the EA boundaries follow easily recognizable natural features such as streams or rivers, and construction features such as roads or buildings.
4. In some cases, the boundaries may not be marked with visible features especially in rural areas.
5. Attention should be paid to make as precise as possible locations according to the detailed description of the EA.
6. The Enumerator should be careful to locate hidden structures within the boundaries of an EA. Especially in rural areas, structures may be hidden by tall grasses and trees.
7. In some areas, structures have been built so haphazardly that they can easily be missed. If there is a pathway leading from the enumerated structure, check to see if the pathway goes to another structure.
8. Talking with people living in the area may help in identifying the hidden structures.