---
title: "Survey Codebook"
slug: "survey-codebook"
description: "Explore the WFP statistical survey Codebook, detailing variable information, governance, and support for questionnaire design and data collection methods."
updated: 2026-08-26T12:35:02Z
published: 2026-08-26T12:35:02Z
canonical: "vamresources.manuals.wfp.org/survey-codebook"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://vamresources.manuals.wfp.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Survey Codebook

## Codebook definition

Survey Designer facilitates the consumption of the WFP statistical survey Codebook. A *statistical codebook* is a document that provides comprehensive information about the variables in a dataset, including their names, labels, measurement types, valid values, missing data codes, and how the data is collected.

### Building the codebook

Variable names and valid values conform to instructions provided in the [Essential Guide to Codebook](https://docs.wfp.org/api/documents/WFP-0000168991/download/).

### Expanding the codebook

To request the inclusion of new questions, modules, or indicators in the WFP Codebook, refer to [the Standard Operating Procedure for the inclusion of questions and indicators in the codebook and survey designer](https://docs.wfp.org/api/documents/WFP-0000168992/download/). The document details the current workflow, including who to contact for support.

### Codebook governance

The Codebook Governance service plays a central role in ensuring the quality and consistency of the WFP Codebook. It is responsible for validating the essential rules of the Codebook and in coordinating expert's insights inputs around information gaps or efficient methods for data collection. Its Implementation service manages the testing and application of updates to survey standards.

The Terms of Reference for the Codebook Governance service are also covered in the [Survey Codebook governance and management guide](https://docs.wfp.org/api/documents/WFP-0000168995/download/). The Codebook Governance also provide advisory support for questionnaire design, methodological validation of indicators, test implementations in Survey Designer, and link to relevant documentation.

## Related

- [Designing Survey Using Xls-form](/designing-survey-using-xls-form.md)
- [Survey Designer](/survey-designer.md)
- [Food Security Assessments](/food-security-assessments.md)
- [Essential Needs Assessments](/essential-needs-guidelines.md)
- [Joint Assessment Mission (JAM)](/joint-assessment-mission-jam-guidelines.md)
- [Joint Assessments](/joint-assessments.md)
- [Nutrition Assessments](/nutrition-assessments-1.md)