Living Conditions and Social Development Survey in Northern Haiti (LCSDS)

The Living Conditions and Social Development Survey (LCSDS) was designed to evaluate and monitor economic and social conditions, as well as poverty levels, in communes near the Caracol Industrial Park (PIC). Located 25km southeast of Cap Haïtien, Haiti's second most populous city, the PIC is a flagship economic development initiative that had created 10,000 new jobs in light manufacturing by 2017.

The survey addressed a significant data gap, as Haiti's last comprehensive living conditions survey was conducted by IHSI between 2001-2003. That original survey established baseline development indicators covering housing and infrastructure, demographics, migration, education, workforce, health, household income, domestic and public life aspects, and agriculture.

The LCSDS deployed a questionnaire adapted from IHSI's 2001-2003 living conditions survey, incorporating specific modules on perceptions and opinions regarding the PIC and associated changes in the area. The survey was conducted between 2014-2015 as part of implementing the Emerging and Sustainable Cities Initiative in Northern Haiti.

The methodology employed quota sampling to ensure representativeness at the commune level, targeting Limonade, Trou du Nord, Terrier Rouge, and Caracol. The final sample included 2,700 households with a sampling error rate of 1.83%, plus an additional 300 surveys in Caracol commune for more reliable estimates.