The Cameroonian government has formally launched its long-awaited fourth General Population and Housing Census (RGPH), combined for the first time with a nationwide Agriculture and Livestock Census, in what officials describe as a “strategic act of sovereignty” aimed at reshaping national development planning.
Speaking at a joint press conference in the capital on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, Minister of Communication and government spokesperson René Emmanuel Sadi outlined the scope and ambition of the exercise, calling it “much more than a statistical operation.”
“This census will provide an up-to-date governance tool to support the implementation of our development agenda,” he said, referring to Cameroon’s long-term growth framework and global commitments such as the Sustainable Development Goals.
A long gap in national data
Cameroon has conducted only three population censuses since independence, in 1976, 1987, and 2005, while agricultural and livestock counts date back even further, to 1976 and 1984, respectively. According to the government spokesperson, the absence of recent, comprehensive data has limited effective policymaking.
The new combined census, launched under decrees issued in 2015, aims to close that gap by simultaneously collecting demographic, housing, agricultural, and livestock data across the country.
Authorities believe the integrated approach will reduce costs and disruption while offering a more coherent picture of the country’s socio-economic realities.
Key challenges: growth, food security, and credibility
Minister Sadi highlighted several major stakes tied to the operation. On the demographic side, he said the census is expected to improve macroeconomic planning and help harness what he described as Cameroon’s “demographic dividend,” particularly among young people and women.
Accurate population data will also support fairer allocation of public resources and strengthen the country’s credibility with international partners. The project is partly funded by the World Bank, which has contributed roughly half of the FCFA 13.28 billion budget. Additional logistical support is being provided by the United Nations Population Fund and the Food and Agriculture Organization.
On the agricultural front, officials point to growing concerns over food imports. In 2024 alone, Cameroon spent more than FCFA 600 billion on staples such as rice, maize, and fish. “To reverse this trend, we must know our true production potential,” Rene Sadi said, emphasizing the need for precise data on farmland, yields, and livestock populations.
He added that better data would also help target reconstruction and economic recovery efforts, particularly in vulnerable rural areas.
Technology and confidentiality
The government says the census will combine traditional door-to-door surveys with satellite imagery, digital mapping tools, and statistical modeling. Quality control will be supported by the Institute of Demographic Training and Research.
Authorities have also sought to reassure the public about data protection. Information collected will be covered by statistical confidentiality laws, with officials insisting it will not be used for taxation or law enforcement purposes.
Pilot tests conducted in late 2025 in cities including Bamenda and Buea recorded a participation rate of more than 99%, suggesting strong public acceptance.
Nationwide mobilization
To ensure smooth implementation, the government has established administrative committees at regional, divisional, and sub-divisional levels, involving multiple ministries, including finance, agriculture, housing, and territorial administration.
Enumerators have been equipped with smartphones and other digital tools, while security forces are deployed in sensitive areas. A toll-free hotline has also been set up to address public concerns.
A nationwide communication campaign is expected to roll out across state broadcaster CRTV, community radio stations, and social media platforms. Journalists are also set to receive specialized training to support public awareness efforts.
Public urged to cooperate
The government spokesman concluded by calling on citizens to cooperate fully with census workers, who will be identifiable by official badges and vests marked “4th RGPH/RGAE.”
“This operation has been organized to better identify the needs of the population,” he said. “Everyone has a role to play in ensuring its success.”
The results of the census are expected to play a decisive role in shaping Cameroon’s economic and social policies in the coming decade.
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