On June 7th, 2017, the Institute of National Statistics (INE) organized a field visit for a number of partners in order to monitor the progress and level of preparedness for the upcoming IV Population and Household Census 2017. The representatives of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the World Bank and the Department for International Development (DFID) participated in the visit to Gaza, in the southern region of Mozambique.
The UNFPA has been providing technical assistance to INE to design, plan and implement the Population and Housing Census 2017 in Mozambique since 2014. A Trust Fund to support Census 2017 was established by the UNFPA with contribution from the Government of the United Kingdom and the Government of Norway. The Trust Fund is not only offering financial resources but also providing technical expertise so that international standards will be met in Census 2017.
Upon arrival, the visitors met the Gaza Provincial Delegation of INE, Mr. Hilario Samuel Minzo and his staff at their office in Xai-Xai City. Subsequently, the delegation met the Governor of Gaza province, Ms. Stela Pinto Zeca, who stressed the importance of informing the population about the Census, particularly in rural areas. In her view, messages about the Census need to be simple and easily understood so that the population can effectively collaborate with the enumerators. The population will actively cooperate if they realize that data collected in the Census will improve public policies to foster socio-economic development in the country.
According to the Governor, communication is effective if the key messages on the Census are conveyed through cultural forms such as music, dance, street performances, and art. As a testament to their enthusiastic preparedness, the provincial INE staff members performed an animated, informative and motivating jingle which they use to inform people about the importance of the Census.
Technical preparation at the provincial level has been progressing smoothly. Cartography work was fully completed and a multi-sectoral collaboration structure is well established and is fully operational at the provincial INE office with the presence of personnel from relevant ministries. The southern regional training of trainers which includes trainers from Maputo, Gaza and Inhambane provinces is going to be conducted beginning mid-June.
The field visit provided the partners with a positive opportunity to witness that Gaza province is well-prepared and strongly united to conduct the Population and Housing Census 2017. The partners reaffirmed their support in a timely manner for a successful and quality Census 2017 in Mozambique.
