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  • Why census will hold, by Reps committee

    Why census will hold, by Reps committee

    The House of Representatives Committee on Population has assured that nothing will stop the national population and housing census from holding.

    The committee expressed the readiness of the National Population Commission (NPC) to conduct the census.

    The chairman of the committee, Okunjimi John Odimayo, who spoke at the budget defence of House Committee on Population on Monday, appealed that the process be completed and that the committee was fully convinced that the NPC is prepared for the census.

    He said: “The Commission was here this morning to present their 2023 budget performance and 2024 budget. Before this we had a two-day retreat and what I can say from this is that the Commission is more than prepared to conduct the census.

    “They also itemised some major items that were purchased and it is clear to us that for the census, the Commission has gone as far as 80 percent. With what they have presented we are very convinced that they are ready for the census.

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    “Our appeal as legislators is that this process should be completed, we are satisfied with what we’ve seen and we are very sure that Nigeria for the first time should have a based-data that can be useful to all aspects of the economy, we are very convinced.

    “Census provides an important data that promotes national planning. Some of our challenges now can be addressed if we have a concrete information of the country”.

    Odimayo also dismissed reports that the Commission mismanaged funds allocated to them in 2023, emphasizing that the money was not wasted and was spent on preparation activities.

    “With what they have defended and presented, this money was not wasted and that on their own side they are prepared to have census.”

    At the climax of the event, the Committee also adopted the 2024 budget of the National Population Commission.

  • Lack of census has created information vacuum, says NPC Chairman

    Lack of census has created information vacuum, says NPC Chairman

    • Holds retreat for Reps on population in Abuja

    The Chairman, National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa-Kwarra on Saturday said lack of census has created an information vacuum in the country.

    Isa-Kwarra said after 17 years of not conducting a national population and housing census, there is a need for Nigeria to conduct its census soon enough.

    Speaking during a retreat for the Chairman and members, House Committee on Population of the House of Representatives, the Chairman, NPC, Nasir Isa-Kwarra said Nigeria is at a great disadvantage of not having data and that it hinders sustainable development for the nation.

    Isa-Kwarra, who was represented by the Federal Commissioner in charge of Niger State, Malam Muhammad Dattijo Usman, said: “Population is a critical factor in a nation’s efforts towards achieving sustainable development. The people are both the agents and beneficiaries of the development process. Knowledge of the country’s population in terms of size, distribution and socio-economic characteristics is required for planning purposes.

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    “This therefore makes the conduct of the census an essential governance activity. The imperatives for the conduct of the next population and housing census rest on the following grounds: Nigeria has one of the fastest growing populations, with a growth rate of 3.2% and an estimated population of about 216 million. Capturing the essential dynamics of such a population requires the regular conduct of censuses, preferably every 10 years as recommended by the United Nations.

    “The country’s inability to conduct a population census in the last 17 years has created an information vacuum as the data from the last Census conducted in 2006 has been rendered less useful for planning purposes.”

    “Preparations for the conduct of the next Census have reached an advanced stage with the demarcation of all the LGAs in the country into enumeration areas. The demarcation exercise began in 2015 and further delay in conducting the next census will make the products thereof less optimal for the next census in view of the rapidly changing environmental landscape and settlement patterns in the country.”

  • 17 years after, lack of census has created information vacuum for Nigeria – NPC

    17 years after, lack of census has created information vacuum for Nigeria – NPC

    The chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Nasir Isa-Kwarra on Saturday, December 9, said that the lack of a census has created an information vacuum in the country.

    Isa-Kwarra said after 17 years of not conducting a national population and housing census, there is a need for Nigeria to conduct its census soon.

    Speaking during a retreat for the chairman and members of the House Committee on Population of the House of Representatives, Isa-Kwarra said Nigeria is at a great disadvantage of not having data and that it hinders sustainable development for the nation.

    Isa-Kwarra, who was represented by the federal commissioner in charge of Niger state, Malam Muhammad Dattijo Usman, said: “Population is a critical factor in a nation’s efforts towards achieving sustainable development. The people are both the agents and beneficiaries of the development process. Knowledge of the country’s population in terms of size, distribution and socio-economic characteristics is required for planning purposes.

    “This therefore makes the conduct of census an essential governance activity. The imperatives for the conduct of the next population and housing census rest on the following grounds: Nigeria has one of the fastest-growing populations, with a growth rate of 3.2% and an estimated population of about 216 million. Capturing the essential dynamics of such a population requires the regular conduct of censuses, preferably every 10 years as recommended by the United Nations.

    “The country’s inability to conduct a population census in the last 17 years has created an information vacuum as the data from the last Census conducted in 2006 has been rendered less useful for planning purposes.

    “Preparations for the conduct of the next Census have reached an advanced stage with the demarcation of all the LGAs in the country into enumeration areas. The demarcation exercise began in 2015 and further delay in conducting the next census will make the products thereof less optimal for the next census given the rapidly changing environmental landscape and settlement patterns in the country.

    “There is a need to ensure that implementation of poverty alleviation programmes is driven by current data from the next Census. This will improve the implementation of these programmes that target vulnerable populations and ensure that we ‘leave no one behind.”

    Read Also: Why Nigeria must get its census right this time

    He added: “The continuous usage of the 2006 Census and projections for the estimation of Nigeria’s population has created a data gap in global population which does not do credit to the nation’s reputation. Nigeria is the seventh most populous nation on earth and will be the third most populous country after China and India in 2050 going by the current rate of growth. Relying on an estimate from a census conducted 16 years ago for a country that hosts a significant proportion of the world population is counterproductive.

    “While the Commission is mindful of the current economic recession, which has reduced revenue at the disposal of the government against the background of competing demands, the Commission is convinced that conducting the next census is one huge investment the nation must make to launch Nigeria into the path of economic prosperity through proper planning and optimal allocation of resources”.

    The NPC boss was optimistic that security challenges bedevilling the country would have been mitigated before the conduct of the next census.

  • Why Nigeria must get its census right this time

    Why Nigeria must get its census right this time

    • Accurate census data serve as a fundamental pillar for national development, providing the necessary information for evidence-based decision-making

    President Bola Tinubu has affirmed his commitment to supporting the National Population Commission (NPC) in carrying out a credible population and housing census. This commitment is grounded in the recognition of the vital role accurate data plays in realising his Renewed Hope Agenda. Recently, the President appointed 20 federal commissioners for the NPC, including the reappointment of nine current federal commissioners for a second-term. During the launch of the Electronic Civil Registration and Vital Statistics System, as well as the National Geospatial Data Repository and the National Coordination Committee on CRVS, President Tinubu emphasised the importance of accurate data in crucial aspects of national planning. While expressing the administration’s support for the NPC in conducting the census, he did not disclose the new dates for the exercise. This underscores the significance he places on the accuracy of data for effective governance and national development. Tinubu said: “Population remains the greatest asset of the country in her development process. Collecting accurate and reliable information on the size, distribution composition and characteristics of the population is an essential governance activity that is consistent with our Renewed Hope Agenda. The commission will, therefore, be supported in the conduct of the next census. “The commission has made substantial progress in its quest to deliver the first digital population and housing census. It is my hope that the result of the census will provide the nation with the much-needed data for development planning and enthronement of good governance.” Accurate census data serves as the bedrock upon which nations build their developmental strategies and policies. A census, conducted periodically provides a comprehensive snapshot of a country’s demographic, social and economic landscape. This data is invaluable for governments, policymakers, and researchers in formulating informed decisions that drive sustainable development. Accurate census data provides a detailed understanding of a nation’s population structure, including age distribution, gender composition, and geographic dispersion. This demographic insight is crucial for planning social services, healthcare, and education systems. It enables governments to tailor policies to address the specific needs of different demographic groups, ensuring inclusivity and equitable development. Ideally, conducting a census every decade is recommended. This timeframe allows governments to accurately capture changes in population, age structures and population movements, providing crucial data for aligning public policy and making informed investment decisions. In the case of Nigeria, the last census was conducted seventeen years ago, creating a significant gap. This gap has given rise to various groups and organizations making estimations about the country’s population. Unfortunately, these disparities in data create confusion and hinder the ability of the government, private businesses, and international organizations to plan effectively. Census data holds immense importance in the context of Nigeria, playing a critical role in shaping policies, programmes, and development strategies. Nigeria is a highly diverse country with a large and growing population. Accurate census data helps in understanding the demographic composition, growth rates, and distribution of the population across regions. This information is essential for effective urban planning, resource allocation, and infrastructure development. With a clear picture of the population’s size and characteristics, the government can better plan and implement social services and welfare programmes. This includes education, healthcare, housing, and poverty alleviation initiatives. Census data allows for targeted interventions to address the specific needs of different demographic groups. Nigeria, like other countries in West Africa, has many pressing needs. These are insecurity, poor governance, infrastructure deficit, and forgone investment. Forces such as climate change may add pressure, causing food insecurity, economic disruption, and extreme harm from floods and droughts. The region is also shifting towards renewable and green energy, creating new job opportunities. With all these development challenges and opportunities, and limited resources, it is vital to know what to focus on. Census data is useful for making effective policy plans and tracking progress to reach goals. Census data is also crucial for planning educational systems and workforce development. It provides insights into the age distribution, literacy rates, and educational attainment levels across regions. This information is instrumental in designing education policies and skill development programmes that align with the needs of the population. Understanding the health profile of the population is equally vital for healthcare planning. Census data helps in identifying health disparities, disease prevalence, and healthcare access issues. This information guides the allocation of resources for healthcare infrastructure, the formulation of public health policies, and the implementation of targeted healthcare interventions. Accurate census data is a foundation for economic planning and development. It provides insights into the labour force, employment patterns, and income distribution. This information is essential for formulating policies that promote economic growth, create job opportunities, and reduce income inequality. Census data is instrumental in determining the allocation of political representation. It helps in the delimitation of constituencies, ensuring fair and equitable political representation at various levels. Accurate census figures also support effective governance by providing a comprehensive understanding of the population’s needs and priorities. Governments rely on census data to allocate resources effectively. This includes budgeting for infrastructure development, public services, and social welfare programmes. Accurate population figures are critical for ensuring that resources are distributed based on the actual needs and demographics of different regions. Census data serves as a baseline for monitoring and evaluating the impact of various policies and programmes over time. It allows for tracking changes in demographic trends, socio-economic indicators, and the effectiveness of government interventions. In summary, census data is indispensable for Nigeria’s development across multiple sectors. It provides the necessary information for evidence-based decision-making, enabling the government to address the unique challenges and opportunities presented by the country’s diverse and dynamic population.

    Back to the past

    Nigeria has undergone numerous population censuses, spanning from pre-independence to post-independence eras. The first census took place in 1866, followed by subsequent ones in 1871, 1881, 1891 and 1901. It wasn’t until the 1952/1953 census that Nigeria witnessed its first modern, national and meticulously planned population count. However, during this period, the principle of simultaneity was not strictly adhered to. The census in Northern Nigeria took place between May and July 1952, while in the West and Mid-West, it occurred in December 1952 and January 1953, respectively. In the East, the census extended from May to August 1953. This approach to enumeration created challenges in data comparability between regions, raising questions about the accuracy of the collected data. Additionally, this period coincided with the onset of the Second World War, fostering skepticism among citizens who believed the census aimed at conscripting soldiers for the war effort, leading to reluctance in participating in the enumeration process.

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     The first census that comprehensively covered the entire nation took place in 1962, conducted in May with substantial publicity. However, the results faced widespread rejection by regional authorities, citing high politicisation. The government’s refusal to acknowledge the 1962 census results prompted the 1963 population census. This subsequent census encountered even greater criticism than its predecessor, with some critics contending that the results were negotiated rather than accurately enumerated. The outcome of the 1963 census became the subject of contention in the Supreme Court, which ultimately ruled that it lacked jurisdiction over the administrative functions of the Federal Government. The 1973 Census, conducted between November 25 and December 2, encountered significant criticism and it was not published due to alleged intentional manipulation of census figures for political and/or ethnic advantages. The most scientifically conducted population census in Nigeria was the 1991 Census, carried out under Decree 23 of 1989, which established the National Population Commission (NPC). This census, conducted nationwide from November 27 to December 2, was considered highly scientific and widely accepted until another census was conducted in 2006. In March 2006, Nigeria undertook its first population and housing census, marking a historic shift by incorporating advanced technologies such as the Global Positioning System and Satellite Imagery for Geo-referenced Enumeration Areas (EAs). Machine-readable forms were also introduced for recording respondent information. Despite receiving some commendation, Nigeria has faced challenges in conducting subsequent exercises. The planned Population and Housing Census for 2016, one year after President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office, was hindered by the economic recession in 2017. Another attempt in 2020 was disrupted by the global Coronavirus pandemic. Despite these setbacks, the Buhari administration demonstrated determination by allocating N176 billion for the census in the 2022 budget. The first phase, involving trial house listing and house numbering, officially commenced in selected local government areas in 2022, with the nationwide census scheduled for April 2023, two months after the general elections. However, the hopes of Nigerians for a smooth, accurate, and widely accepted census were dashed when the past administration announced the postponement of the exercise.

    Why Nigeria’s census figures are always doubted

    Censuses in Nigeria have consistently been subject to political influence, primarily driven by the substantial impact population figures have on the allocation of federal funds to states and local governments. The belief that states with larger populations receive a greater share of the federation allocation incentivises attempts to artificially inflate population figures. Consequently, states and local governments often engage in efforts to exaggerate their census numbers, leading to instances where states or ethnic groups, perceiving figures as lower than their neighbors or historical rivals, reject the census results. This manipulation has undermined the reliability of census data for meaningful planning purposes.

     In the 2006 census, Nigeria’s population was reported as 140 million, but current rough estimates now place it between 211 and 215 million, ranking the country as the seventh most populous globally. However, the pervasive influence of political motives raises questions about the credibility of these claims. Population figures in Nigeria play a crucial role in the delineation of legislative constituencies, with the House of Representatives and State Houses of Assembly representation being determined by population size. While the Senate is based on the equality of states, allotting three senators to each state, the House of Representatives is proportional to population. For instance, Lagos and Kano, as the most populous states, have 24 representatives each, while Bayelsa and Nasarawa states have only five each. The distribution of members in state houses of assembly also follows population patterns, with Lagos and Kano having the highest representation. Beyond its role in planning, Nigeria’s population census is deeply intertwined with politics, prompting politicians to exert significant efforts in manipulating the figures to their advantage. Another significant challenge faced in conducting a census in Nigeria is the issue of accuracy. The census data has been widely criticized for being inaccurate, primarily due to concerns such as under-counting, double counting, and inaccurate enumeration. This lack of precision erodes trust in the reliability of census data, posing obstacles to its effective use for planning and development purposes.  All these issues can be addressed in the forthcoming census exercise. In conclusion, accurate census data is the cornerstone of national development, empowering governments to make informed decisions, allocate resources effectively, and design policies that address the diverse needs of their populations. A comprehensive understanding of demographics, economics, education, and healthcare derived from census data is essential for fostering inclusive and sustainable development. As nations continue to evolve, periodic and accurate census-taking remains an indispensable tool for steering the course of progress.

  • Reps to investigate expenditure on suspended national census

    Reps to investigate expenditure on suspended national census

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday, November 1, resolved to investigate the money expended on the postponed 2023 population and housing census by the National Population Commission (NPC) to find out if there has been value for money.

    The House asked its committee on population to liaise with the National Population Commission to ensure a successful population and housing census when proclaimed.

    This followed a motion by Hon. Dominic Okafor and Hon. Patrick Umoh on the need to investigate the expenditure on the postponed 2023 population band Housing census by the National Population Commission.

    Moving the motion, Hon. Okafor said the Census provides accurate population data crucial for development planning, policy formulation, resource allocation, and government program implementation, especially at a time when the federal government in conjunction with State governments working on giving palliatives to vulnerable citizens and also planning other social services.

    According to him, the National Population Commission in Nigeria conducts periodic censuses, surveys, and other methods to enumerate the country’s population, providing data for national planning and economic development.

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    He disclosed that the national census was last conducted in Nigeria in 2006 and the 2023 census, which was scheduled for May 2023, was postponed by the National Population Commission.

    He said further that the data collected in the 2006 Population Census is far from reality in 2023 and cannot validly form a solid base for the formation of national economic policies that will aid the federal government in administering viable national planning.

    He said the National Population Commission has admitted to having spent Two Hundred Billion Naira (N200,000,000,000) as part of the Eight Hundred Billion Naira (N800,000,000,000) budgeted for the planning mid-execution of the 2023 population and housing census, which was postponed.

    He said further that the financial investment in 2023 population census planning would have improved economic planning and distribution of palliatives in the country.

    Okafor maintained that the National Population Commission remarks, that if the population and housing census fails to take place within 12 months, the information gathered across the country would become stale, a waste of resources, and the country would have to increase costs of gathering fresh information.

    He said the National Population Commission, led by the chairman, Nasir lsa Kwarra, expressed readiness to conduct a population and housing census during a visit to President Bola Tinubu on July 6, 2023.

    The House however rejected calls for the government to announce a new date for the exercise saying the security situation in the country will not allow for the successful conduct of the exercise.

  • ‘Stay and be counted in Lagos for census’

    ‘Stay and be counted in Lagos for census’

    Lagos State Government has advised residents to be available for counting during the population and housing census.

    Speaking at a one-day sensitisation workshop on Y2023 Census, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), with the theme: “Benefits of Population Census and Encouraging Effective Participation by Residents of Lagos”, held in Ikeja. the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, Mr. Ibrahim Obajomo, said the previous population census showed that significant number of residents left Lagos for their states of origin and returned after the census, which resulted in inappropriate data collection for resource allocation, provision of infrastructural and economic development.

    Represented by the Director, Admin and Human Resource, Mrs. Mojisola Fashola, Obajomo said: “The outcome of previous census showed that significant proportion of the residents usually travelled to their states of origin during the census and returned to Lagos after the exercise.

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     “There is need to discourage such practices in order for the state to have a robust population estimate that will attract appropriate support and intervention in terms of resource allocation.”

    He said the state was not resting on its oars, as plans were in place to engage in “media campaigns and grassroots mobilisation to ensure residents are counted in their place of residence, rather than place of origin.”

    The State Director, National Population Commission (NPC), Lagos Office, Mr. Sadiku Bamidele, stressed the importance of census to state and national development, noting that full digital methodology would be deployed for the 2023 exercise, which would be an improvement on the 2006 population and housing census.

    Reemphasising the need for residents to stay and be counted where they live, former Head, UNFPA Lagos Liaison Office, Dr. Omolaso Omosehin, listed the benefits of population census and encouraged effective participation by residents of Lagos.

  • Census: Buhari to decide on date, says NPC boss 

    The Acting Chairman of the National Population Commission (NPC), Alh. Hassan Bashir on Thursday said the commission is pushing hard to get the consent of President Muhammadu Buhari to conduct the next population census.

    Briefing newsmen on the commencement of the fieldwork for the continuation of the Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) exercise which precedes any population census, Bashir said: “we are waiting for the confirmation and proclamation from President Muhammadu Buhari before we know the date for the next census.

    “Until there is a proper planning, the nation will not be able to plan effectively. We are proud to say that Mr. President is doing very well in the provision of infrastructure. We are convinced that he will continue to provide infrastructure for the commission.”

    Census, the NPS boss said will serve as a guide in identifying human elements that can be exploited for development process and formation of people responsive welfare Programme.

    He maintained that the EAD was the bedrock of the census and formed the basis for the planning and execution of the census project.

    He explained that the EAD exercise involve the division of the country into small geographical areas to facilitate enumeration and scientifically verify doubts and contentions.

    “For the avoidance of doubt, the EAD exercise is not the enumeration of persons living in the country and its outcome will not in any way determine the population of any community, local government or state,” he said.

    He emphasized the need for the training the trainers exercise saying, “The quality of the personnel for the EAD has great impact on the outcome.”

    Bashir said the commission was not leaving any stone unturned in order to ensure that the EAD was carried out meticulously, professionally and scientifically.

    NPC is still maintaining that to conduct the proposed population census, over N220 billion will be required due to logistics.

    It would be recalled that the former NPC boss told newsmen about two years back that about N220 billion will be needed to conduct the next census.

    About N22.5 billion according to findings will also be needed to carry out the demarcation of 112 EAD across the country.

    The EAD started on Thursday, March 21, according to Bashir and ends on April 13, 2019 across 23 states of the federation.

    Bashir went further that: “It is in recognition of this fact that the Commission has adopted a meticulous and gradual approach to the Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) exercise. After each phase, a stock taking is done, the quality of job executed, as well as, the personnel involved in the fieldwork are reviewed. The Commission has so far demarcated 112 Local Government Areas in all the 36 States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory under the previous Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) exercises.

    “The Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD) will be commencing today and will take place in one LGA in 18 States out of the 23 selected States of the Federation. The mairggjcgtateseharaely, Kano, Kaduna, Rivers, Adamawa and Taraba are, due to 3663mm, stepped down till Saturday  30lh March, 2019.”

    On the budgetary provision for the proposed census, the NPC Director General, Dr. Ghaji Bello told newsmen that: “I agree with you that there is no provision for the Census in the 2019 budget. Normally, it is done within a wide service vote, which is directly under the presidency. When proclamation is made by President Muhammadu Buhar, we are hopeful, having put the elections behind us, we are of the view and we are pushing very hard that Mr. President will graciously look at the commission favorably so that we can have the next census because without the census there will be no planning.”

     

     

  • Census: NPC begins Area Enumeration Demarcation in Kwara

    The National Population Commission (NPC) in Kwara on Thursday commenced another round of Enumeration Area Demarcation (EAD), as part of preparation for the forthcoming census.

    The exercise, which is being held throughout the 16 local government areas of the state, will end on April 13.

    According to the NPC’s Acting National Chairman, Alhaji Hassan Bashir, the EAD constitutes the foundation on which the entire census architecture stands.

    The address, which was delivered on his behalf by the Federal Commissioner, NPC in Kwara, Alhaji Saad Ayinla-Alanamu, noted that the EAD was part effort toward ensuring a successful exercise.

    He said that the EAD would hold in one local government area, in each of the 23 selected states of the federation including Kwara.

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    Bashir said that at the end of the EAD, the commission would have successfully demarcated 135 local government areas in the country.

    He said that the remaining 639 local council areas in the country would be covered in the subsequent programmes of the commission

    The acting chairman said that a 52-person Demarcation Team, consisting of 40 demarcation officials;  10 supervisors and two Quality Control Assistants, had been recruited for each of the 23 states involved.

    According to him, the expectation of the commission is that after the conclusion of the ongoing demarcation, what will be required for future censuses will only be updating.

    Bashir appealed to the authorities in the 16 local government areas of the state, traditional institutions and communities in the affected areas to support the commission in carrying out the exercise.

    He urged participants to be humble and honest in the discharge of their responsibilities.

    NAN

  • Reps urge FG to fix date for census

    The House of Representatives on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to fix date for national census scheduled for fourth quarter of 2019.

    This followed a motion under “Matters of Urgent Public Importance” by Ossy Prestige (Abia-APGA), on the need to conduct census for proper planning and development in Nigeria.

    Moving the motion, the lawmaker quoted United Nations Fund for Population Activities as saying that Nigeria had a dynamic economy and large population expected to double in the next two decades.

    He said census was pivotal and necessary tool for the growth of any emerging society, which in turn informed decision-making in public and private sectors.

    NAN

  • ‘Why Nigeria needs agric census’

    Regular census will promote agricultural growth, a university don has said.

    According to Prof Abiodun Adeloye, a former Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), regular census is crucial if the government wishes to implement evidence-based policies to foster agriculture and rural development, ensure access to land, improve food security and reduce the adverse environmental impacts of agricultural activities.

    Globally, he said, agric census provides information on the structure of the sector, including the number and size of holdings. It also gives information about land use, crop area, crop intensity, irrigation facilities, agricultural input use, livestock numbers, as well as farmer demographics and employment.

    It covers figures on crop and animal production. The data form a source in the calculation of a nation’s gross domestic product (GDP).

    Besides, the private sector needs such data to make informed decisions to guide their investments.

    He expressed concern that available data was not comprehensive enough to aid planning and decision making, adding that the nation needed to create data platforms and capacities for farmers to understand what crops grow best and where.

    Meanwhile, climate change and its pressure on agriculture are adding fresh urgency for accurate data amid a fast-changing agricultural landscape.

    Statisticians and analysts said issues surrounding climate change were also adding to the challenges posed by food insecurity, poverty and undernourishment.

    Experts at a regional meeting of the World Programme for the Census of Agriculture (WCA) 2020 held September in Kenya said African countries have some capacity to conduct census on agriculture because 22 countries from the region participated in the last census held in 2010. But they added that there is a need for more capacity building and financial investments to ensure more countries conduct censuses.

    The experts were concerned that available agricultural data in the region was not comprehensive enough to aid planning and decision making in the sector.

    The meeting that was organised by the Food Agriculture Organisation (FAO) brought together agricultural research scientists and policymakers to discuss new features of the WCA 2020 in the light of UN’s Agenda 2030 on sustainable development and other initiatives.

    FAO senior statistician, Jairo Castano, said with about 800 million people malnourished globally, it is imperative that governments and development agencies have accurate, timely and accessible data for decision making.

    “Africa has the highest number of undernourished people but most countries have poor capacity for collecting, analysing and disseminating agricultural data,” said Castano. “This is because of low investments and prioritisation of agricultural data.”

    He urged African countries to improve their capacity to conduct well managed agricultural census, citing confidence provided by the FAO through roundtables to prepare countries for the 2020 census.

    The meeting was organised for 20 African countries including Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Liberia, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, South Africa, South Sudan, Uganda and Zimbabwe.

    According to Castano, some agricultural officials have inadequate or no basic data such as number of farmers in their countries and the average age of the farming population. He said that the continent needs to strengthen the quality and availability of data if it wants to feed the rising population.

    The FAO has organised the 2020 WCA under 15 themes including land, irrigation, crops, livestock, demographics and social characteristics, household food security, fisheries and aquaculture.

    Kenya’s cabinet secretary for agriculture, livestock and fisheries, Willy Bett, said that the country will conduct its first ever comprehensive agricultural census in 2019 whose methodology will be informed by the WCA 2020 guidelines.

    “Owing to our unique farming systems, Africa needs data more than any other parts of the world,” said Bett adding that African countries are faced by systematic challenges that hinder generation and management of high quality agricultural data and statistics.

    In 2015, the Food Agriculture Organisation (FA0) released a set of updated guidelines to assist governments in carrying out their national-level agricultural censuses in 2016. It is the latest edition of guidelines which FAO provides every 10 years.

    Based on countries’ experiences and lessons learnt over previous decades, the new guidelines form part of the FAO coordinated World Programme for the Census of Agriculture, which covers the period 2016-2025. For the first time, the new census programme provides guidance on how to obtain and integrate data on fisheries (capture fisheries activities as aquaculture was already included) and on greenhouse gas and ammonia emissions from agricultural activities.

    “The use of these guidelines by FAO member countries ensures that census results are harmonized and internationally comparable, and allows countries to benchmark their performance against others,” said FAO Chief Statistician, Pietro Gennari.

    “They address the requirements of both developed and developing countries, and provide the foundation for the development of an integrated census and survey programme, for using innovative methods and tools for data collection, and ultimately, for making better informed strategic decisions,” he added.