Evolution of Zim’s censuses

IN Zimbabwe, census taking began as early as 1901 but was initially confined to Non-Africans only.

The population was fully enumerated for the first time in 1962, then in 1969 but at differing reference periods for Africans.

The 1982 and 1992 censuses were the first with a national coverage. The 1982 census was conducted relating to the night of 17/18th August. Similarly, the 1992 census was also on a de-facto basis.

In the 1982 and 1992 censuses, the questionnaire covered areas such as population size, composition (sex, age, ethnic groups); geographical distribution, including internal migration. Other topics covered were education, labour force and employment as well as basic living conditions like size of household, access to water, toilet facilities, energy for cooking, were also covered.

The 2002 population census was the third after independence, hence the current census is now the fourth census for the country.

To supplement the data collected through the census, demographic surveys have also been conducted in 1948, 1954 and after 1982 as part of the Zimbabwe National Household Survey Capability Programme (ZNHSCP), especially the Demographic Socio-Economic Survey of 1983/84, the Inter-Censal Demographic Surveys (ICDS) of 1987,1997 and Demographic and Health Survey of 1988-89,1994 and 1999.

Conducting a census is an expensive and major task that is very crucial in planning any social or economic activity for the country.

It is useful to distinguish between shortterm objectives of the census, which basically entails the delivery of data for immediate uses, and long-term aims which point more towards the infrastructure and capacity building of the statistical system.

Short-term objectives

In general this involves the provision of current information on demographic and related socio-economic characteristics of the population at national level and various sub-national levels to facilitate effective planning and evaluation of various programmes of Government and the private sector.

Long term objectives

A census ensures the provision of relevant population data at national and sub-national levels. A series of periodic censuses, at regular intervals, in this case 10 years for Zimbabwe, is important in assessing trends.

The past can be appraised, the present assessed and the future estimated based on benchmark data from censuses.

The development of national capacity to undertake censuses and related statistical activities evolve with time.

This is why Zimbabwe’s capability to undertake censuses and surveys has improved over the years.

the Zimbabwe National Statistics Agency (ZimStat), which is mandated with producing and to co-ordinating the production and dissemination of relevant, accurate and timely statistics to meet the information needs of various agencies in the country, is conducting the 2022 national population and housing census.

Since 1982, the census has become an important data set for establishing sampling frames and weighting factors for Zimbabwe’s National Household Surveys Capability programme. The frame and factors are to be revised after every population census, for example the 2022 census. — online

— Pictures by Tinai Nyadzayo Manicaland joined the rest of the country in embarking on awareness marches for the national population and housing census to encourage the public’s cooperation in the exercise. In Mutare, the march was held in the Central Business District and was led by the Zimbabwe National Army Brass Band. From yesterday, enumerators started moving in the communities, knocking on doors and asking for data on who spent census night (Wednesday, April 20th), in each household. The visits to the households will continue until Saturday next week.