Beuermann, Diether, et al. (2018). Barbados Survey of Living Conditions: 2016. IDB Open Data. https://doi.org/10.60966/65qq-4668

1. English

Who conducted the survey?

The survey was supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) in partnership with the Government of Barbados and the Barbados Statistical Service (BSS).
It was carried out over 12 months of fieldwork, from February 2016 to January 2017.

What information does the dataset include?

The BSLC includes multiple modules covering:

• Household demographics and composition
• Education, employment, and health status
• Housing quality, assets, and utilities
• Income and consumption expenditure (food, non-food, durables)
• Agricultural activities, livestock, and fisheries
• Perceptions of safety and community wellbeing

Together, these variables enable a multidimensional assessment of living standards and economic vulnerability.

What methodology was used to estimate poverty?

Poverty in Barbados was calculated using a consumption-based approach, adjusted for household size and composition.
The poverty line and indigence threshold were determined using local price data, consumption patterns, and the 2016–2017 national cost-of-living survey.
This approach allows consistent estimation of poverty incidence, depth, and severity.

How representative is the dataset?

The BSLC 2016–2017 is a nationally representative sample of the entire Barbados population, covering both urban and rural areas across all parishes.
Weights are included to ensure comparability at the household and individual levels.

What can this dataset be used for?

Researchers, policymakers, and social analysts can use the BSLC 2016–2017 dataset to:

• Estimate Barbados poverty rates and inequality measures.
• Analyze income distribution and consumption trends.
• Examine gender, regional, and education disparities in wellbeing.
• Evaluate social protection programs and policy impacts.
• Track changes in living standards relative to earlier BSLC rounds.

What are some key findings from the 2016–2017 survey?

Preliminary findings indicate that poverty rates in Barbados vary across parishes, with higher vulnerability in rural communities.
Access to education, healthcare, and public utilities remains high, but disparities persist in employment quality and asset ownership.

How does this dataset compare to previous surveys?

The 2016–2017 BSLC updates earlier living conditions surveys conducted in 2010 and 2002, allowing for time-series comparisons of poverty, inequality, and social progress.
It also aligns with regional harmonization efforts within the Caribbean Living Conditions Surveys framework.

What are the limitations of the dataset?

Users should note that:

• Some households may have missing or imputed values due to nonresponse.
• Seasonal consumption variations should be considered in food expenditure analysis.
• The dataset focuses on resident populations, excluding institutionalized groups.