General Population Census: Practical Modalities, Information

As Cameroon witnesses the fourth general population and housing census, coupled with the second agriculture and livestock census, the government, through three cabinet ministers yesterday April 29, 2026 provided ample information on the process. This was through a joint press conference by the Minister of Communication and Government’s Spokesperson, René Emmanuel Sadi, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Gabriel Mbairobe and the Minister of Livestock, Fisheries and Animal Industries, Dr. Taiga. It should be noted that this census come after three others conducted in 1976, 1987 and 2005. As presented by the Minister of Communication, the stakes of the exercise described as a major global operation has several stakes given that it is an act of sovereignty and has macro implications. In his words, the operation will enable government update its governance mechanisms to support the implementation of the National Development Strategy. For operational modalities, government has adopted a threefold approach validated by the United Nations. As explained by the Minister of Communication, this includes a combined population and livestock census, the use of the traditional door-to-door method of head counts accompanied by satellite and other digital tools and guaranteeing confidentiality. Indeed, institutional measures have been put in place to ensure the smooth conduct of the operation through the involvement of other partner Ministries. Logistics arrangements and security aspects have already been taken into consideration, especially in the case of conflict affected regions as agents in some cases will be accompanied by security officers. A toll-free number (8585) has been put in place to facilitate information dissemination to those who reach out. The Government’s spokesperson added that a mass communication strategy has been adopted to ensure that the message gets to everyone so as to ensure their effective participation. Proximity campaigns, involvement of traditional and other local leaders, the use of conventional and social media, added to the fact that regional trainings will be organised, have all be...