What type of equipment is recommended for anthropometric measurements during a survey?
To measure weight, you may use an electronic scale (e.g. UNISCALE), as it gives more accurate measurements. When electronic scales are not available, the Salter scales (a 25kg hanging scale marked out in increments of 0.1 kg) are a correct alternative. When using an electronic scale, you must ensure that the surface on which you place the scale is flat by placing, for example, a small wooden board on the ground. The wooden board need not be large; however it needs to be large enough to support the electronic scale and the child. To measure length/height, it is preferable to use wooden measuring boards as opposed to aluminum boards which can get very hot in the sun and burn children. The measuring board should be at least 130 cm long and made of hardwood with a hard water-resistant finish. Choice of woods is important. The board should be light enough to be easily carried in the field from house to house. The board should have two tape measures attached to it, one on each side, and they
