The collection of household survey data in developing countries is hardly a new phenomenon. Until recently however, the handling and processing of large microeconomic data sets was both cumbersome and expensive, so that survey data were not widely used beyond the production of the original survey reports. In recent years, the availability of convenient and inexpensive computers has changed both the collection and analysis of household survey data. Researchers have become more interested in finding ways in which survey data can be used to inform and to improve the policy process. This book analyzes household survey data from developing countries and illustrates how such data can be used to cast light on a range of short-term and long-term policy issues. Using data from several countries, including Cote d'Ivoire, India, Pakistan, Taiwan, and Thailand, it examines the design and content of household surveys and explores the econometric issues for survey data. The use of survey data to measure welfare, poverty and distribution is outlined and a number of data analysis techniques are highlighted, particularly graphical methods for displaying large amounts of data. The book shows how household budget data can be employed to examine patterns of household demand, the relationship between savings and growth and how price reform data effects equity and efficiency. It brings together the relevant statistical and econometric methods that are useful for building the bridge between data and policy.