Cameroon government extends census period for the second time
The government of Cameroon has announced an additional extension to the national census period, marking the second consecutive adjustment since its initial rollout.
In a directive from Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, a supplementary phase has been introduced to ensure broader coverage of households, individuals, and agricultural operations nationwide. The move aims to address gaps identified in the first and second phases, particularly in densely populated urban centers.
Residents in major cities like Yaoundé and Douala have raised concerns about missed visits from census agents, with some newly developed neighborhoods excluded from official mapping due to outdated cartographic records.
According to the census commission, only 60.4% of the population has been accounted for since the campaign began in April. Challenges such as delayed payments to field agents, low community participation, language barriers, and security risks in volatile regions have further complicated the process.
The fourth general census of population, housing, and agriculture now faces heightened scrutiny as authorities work to reconcile data accuracy with the extended timeline.
Key challenges in the census operation
- Delayed payments: Inconsistent compensation for census agents has led to sporadic work stoppages and reduced morale.
- Urban coverage gaps: Rapid urban expansion in cities like Douala and Yaoundé has outpaced official mapping, leaving new settlements uncounted.
- Security concerns: In certain regions, security threats have restricted agent mobility and household participation.
- Low awareness: Limited sensitization in rural and peri-urban areas has resulted in lower-than-expected engagement from marginalized communities.
