Census FAQs

How will the information collected be treated?

The information that you will provide to the census personnel will be treated with strict confidentiality in accordance with the Statistics Act, No 13 of 2018. According to the Act, anybody working with the Zambia Statistics Agency who discloses personal details of a respondent is liable to prosecution. Everyone who will be expected to have access to respondents’ personal details during the census, will take an oath of secrecy to ensure that they protect the privacy/confidentiality of those who provided the information.

In which languages are the questionnaires available?

The questionnaires will be in English. The enumerators will also be able to speak in the local languages/ dialects since they will be recruited from the localities they reside in.

Do I need to show any documents to the enumerator?

The enumerator will take down all particulars as given by you. In case you are not sure of some information (e.g. age) you may check your documents, such as, under five card, NRC etc, to confirm and provide accurate information.

What questions will be asked?

The census questionnaire for the 2022 Census is available on the ZamStats website at www.zamstats.gov.zm under the 2022 Census tab or can be accessed directly for the Census page at census.zamstats.gov.zm. 

Why do you ask questions about the household assets I have in my house?

The information collected gives the status of well-being for the household, and is used to generate economic and social indicators.

Will the general public access the results?

The general public will be able to access the census results once they have been disseminated. The census results will also be available to the public through the ZamStats website and publications (inform of preliminary results, basic reports, detailed reports, maps etc.).

Can the disabled take part in the 2022 Census?

The disabled have a huge role in the census activities, thus they too can take part in the activity, such as dissemination of information campaigns.

When are you advertising for the actual census recruitment?

The Zambia Statistics Agency will notify the public through various media platforms both public and private on the actual Census Enumeration recruitment. Therefore, always look out for more information and updates pertaining to the census on the www.zamstats.gov.zm, census.zamstats.gov.zm as well as adverts on Radio and print media.

Will those recruited or deployed as Map Data Collectors/ Enumerators automatically qualify to work in the main census?

No, each Census process has different prerequisites and therefore at each stage, an advert will be placed to recruit the required personnel. Those that may have taken part in previous census processes are just as eligible to apply as those who may have not taken part in previous census activities.

Do I have to re-apply if I had applied the previous year?

Yes, there will be need to apply. The advert will be new and will require new applications.

What is a population and housing census?

A population census is the total count of a population at a specified time within a country's boundary or in a well delineated part of a country.

How often is a Population and Housing Census undertaken in Zambia?

Population and Housing Censuses are conducted every ten years in line with the international standards. Zambia has conducted five censuses in 1969, 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010; the 2022 Census will be the sixth one.

When will the next census be conducted?

Zambia's next census will be undertaken from18th August 2022 to 14th September 2022.

Who takes the lead in implementation of Census in Zambia?

The Zambia Statistics Agency, as part of its mandate, spearheads the undertaking of the Census on behalf of the Government through, an Act of parliament and a gazette notice. This is done in collaboration with different Ministries, Departments, Agencies, Learning Institutions private sector and Development Partners.

Why conduct a census?

Census is the primary source of reliable and detailed data on the size, distribution and composition of the population in the country at a specified time. The information collected during census when analyzed, gives an accurate picture of how many people are living in the country at every administrative level and their living conditions as well as access to basic services. This will inform planners on the social services people require such as education, healthcare and housing. The data is also vital for monitoring internationally and locally agreed upon agenda such as the Eighth National Development Plan (8NDP) and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

What is new about 2022 Census?

The 2022 Census will be administered using Computer Aided Personal Interviewing (CAPI) technique. A tablet will be used to capture the information directly for better accuracy and faster processing of the data. ZamStats has adhered to international guidelines which advocate for the values of professionalism, transparency, accountability and integrity required of statistical systems in maintaining credibility and public confidence.

Why do I have to participate in Census 2022?

Census data is used for planning purposes. If you do not participate, the data collected will not be a true reflection of the Zambian population. The Government as well as private sector needs accurate information for effective planning and policy formulation.

How do I know that the person at my door is from the Census Office?

The Zambia Statistics Agency will be identified as follows:

  1. a) A branded reflector Jacket/ T-Shirt Branded with a 2022 Census logo
  2. b) Identification documents provided by the Zambia Statistics Agency, such as, an introductory letter or an identity (I.D.) Card.

c) In some cases, the enumerators will be accompanied by village elders or persons known by the residents who will introduce them to the household.

How will you make sure I am counted?

The Zambia Statistics Agency conducted a Mapping exercise throughout the country in 2020, and the creation of Enumeration Areas was done depicting maps of all the villages and towns in the entire country.  Therefore, each enumerator will be assigned an EA with clear boundaries to guide him/her to ensure total coverage, with no omission or duplication. After your household has been visited a number will be written at a sticker place in your household such as the top corner of the door to indicate that counting has taken place in the household.

Whom do I contact in case my household is not covered?

In case your household will not have been contacted by 14th September 2022, a toll free number will be provided for you to contact the Zambia Statistics Agency to send an enumerator to enumerate your household.

Together We Will Have Answers

We hope you find our FAQs sections very useful. Should you have questions that are not addressed, please feel to get in touch.

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