Survey on the Emerging Middle-Income Class in Bangladesh

The assignment involved conducting a nationwide survey to examine the demographic trends, socioeconomic conditions, and consumption patterns of Bangladesh’s emerging middle-income class. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) engaged Young Consultants (YC) to undertake a comprehensive, field-based survey using economic and statistical analysis and structured interviews. The study aimed to understand the demographic profile and living conditions of the urban middle-income population, assess their consumption patterns for durable goods and services, estimate current and future market potential, and recommend approaches for developing these markets in Bangladesh. The survey involved household-level data collection, retailer and wholesaler consultations, statistical data processing, and the preparation of comprehensive reports.

Scope of Services Provided
1. Identification of Target Sample Households and Individuals

Identified and selected target households and individuals for the survey to ensure the collection of relevant demographic, socioeconomic, and consumption-related information from the emerging middle-income population.

2. Questionnaire Development and Survey Design

Developed questionnaires for both the pilot survey and the main survey in consultation with JICA. Prepared a comprehensive questionnaire covering approximately 625 variables to capture detailed information on demographic characteristics, economic and social living conditions, and consumption patterns relating to durable goods and services.

3. Inception Report Preparation and Submission

Prepared and submitted the inception report outlining the survey approach, methodology, research framework, data collection procedures, and implementation arrangements.

4. Recruitment and Training of Field Interviewers

Recruited equal numbers of male and female field interviewers and data collection personnel to support the field survey. Provided training to ensure consistent application of the survey methodology, appropriate interview techniques, and reliable data collection practices.

5. Nationwide Field Survey and Primary Data Collection

Conducted primary data collection across nine city corporations in Bangladesh, covering five divisions as specified in the survey implementation details. Collected more than 1,100 data records through field interviews. Research associates and supervisors reviewed the collected data to identify inconsistencies and maintain data quality.

6. Data Quality Assurance and Spot Checking

Implemented spot-checking procedures and field-level data quality controls to verify the accuracy, completeness, and consistency of the information collected. Research associates and supervisors reviewed submitted data to identify and address potential errors.

7. Key Informant Interviews with Retailers and Wholesalers

Conducted approximately 70 key informant interviews (KIIs) with retailers and wholesalers dealing in durable goods and services. Gathered insights into consumer demand, purchasing patterns, market conditions, and potential opportunities for the development of relevant product and service markets.

8. Data Entry and Statistical Processing

Entered and organized the collected survey data using SPSS to facilitate systematic data management and statistical analysis. Prepared the dataset for examining demographic trends, socioeconomic conditions, consumption patterns, and market potential.

9. Market Assessment and Analysis of Consumption Trends

Analyzed the demographic characteristics and socioeconomic conditions of the emerging middle-income class, together with their consumption trends for various durable goods and services. Assessed current and potential future market sizes to support recommendations for market development in Bangladesh.

10. Draft and Final Report Preparation

Prepared and submitted the draft and final reports, consolidating the survey methodology, field findings, statistical analysis, consumer trends, market assessments, and recommendations based on the study results.

Key Deliverable
A comprehensive survey report on Bangladesh’s emerging middle-income class, supported by primary data collection involving more than 1,100 records, approximately 70 key informant interviews, and SPSS-based data processing. The report assessed demographic trends, socioeconomic conditions, consumption patterns, and current and future market potential for durable goods and services, with recommendations for market development.

Assignment Details
Client: Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA)
Project Location: Seven divisions of Bangladesh, as specified in the assignment details
Field Survey Coverage: Nine city corporations across five divisions, as specified in the survey implementation details
Client Address: JICA Bangladesh Office, 3rd Floor, Bay’s Galleria, 57 Gulshan Avenue (CWS-A19), Gulshan-1, Dhaka-1212, Bangladesh
Telephone: +880-2-9891897
Fax: +880-2-9891689
Email: bd_oso_rep@jica.go.jp
Approximate Contract Value: US$39,800
Assignment Duration: 3 months (as recorded)
Start Date: December 2015
Completion Date: March 2016
Total Staff-Months: 37
Professional Staff-Months Provided by Associated Offerors: N/A
Associated Offerors: Not applicable
Senior Professional Staff Involved
Name
Designation / Function
M. Zakir Hossain
Team Leader
Dr. Amir Hossain
Senior Statistician
Md. Sahabuddin Ahmad
Economist
Md. Moshiur Rahman
Field Coordinator
Md. Asifuzzaman
Research Associate