Welcome to DataFirst

DataFirst is a unit at the University of Cape Town, South Africa devoted to survey research in Africa. The unit operates a Research Data Centre and provides basic and advanced training in microdata analysis. DataFirst is also an international web portal for South African census and survey data, as well as survey metadata and all research output based on this data. The unit aims to facilitate the collection, exchange and use of census and survey microdata on a collaborative basis in the African region, and build regional expertise in quantitative survey methodology and analysis.

Our Survey Data and Metadata Portal

The DataFirst Survey Data Catalogue enables online keyword searches of the survey data available from DataFirst. It also provides information to assist users of the data files (Metadata). Survey microdata and metadata files from public access datasets can be downloaded from this portal.

The list of survey datasets allows an overview of the data holdings of DataFirst and provides links to supporting documentation in the form of questionnaires, metadata files and survey reports, which can be downloaded from this site. Links to publications based on the data are also available here. This list will eventually be incorporated into the DataFirst Survey Data Catalogue.

Our Research Data Centre

Research Data Centres provide a secure setting for improved access to national census and survey microdata for research purposes. DataFirst is the only such facility in Africa. DataFirst's RDC provides access to African survey data and makes statistical analysis software available for this purpose. Trained staff in the RDC assist data analysts with data and software queries.

An extensive collection of books devoted to survey design and analysis are available for use in the RDC. View our online book catalogue.

DataFirst/SALDRU Data Quality Project

The Data Quality Project (DQP), funded by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation has been running since 2006. The aim of the Project is to deepen the capacity of South African researchers to conduct top-quality research using survey data that is placed in the public domain by the government statistics agency, Statistics South Africa. This is accomplished through an intensive examination of the comparability and usability of these datasets, and liaison with the national data producer and data users to ensure appropriate analysis of this data. This website provides access to Data Quality Project Output.

This includes research notes on anomalies in data files, as well as scholarly papers on error-corrections and the appropriate usage of national survey datasets. Revised and corrected data files and documentation are also made available via this repository.

Training at DataFirst

DataFirst is involved in training and technical support for microdata management and usage in Africa. Training undertaken by the unit includes regular workshops on survey analysis to train African quantitative social scientists.

The unit also maintains the website for a webcourse on The Analysis of South African Household Survey Data which is a distance learning tool to advance regional quantitative analysis skills.

DataFirst works with the International Household Survey Network's OECD funded project, the Accelerated Data Program to provide tools and training for the management and dissemination of African census and survey microdata.

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