The Institut national de la statistique (INS) of Cameroon has initiated the sixth Cameroon Household Survey (ECAM6) on October 8, 2026, to collect data on the country's poverty situation and living standards. The survey, funded by the World Bank, aims to provide insights into the country's progress toward achieving its development goals. The data collected will enable policymakers to design effective measures to address poverty and improve living standards.
The survey will cover a sample of 15,777 households, including 14,157 households outside refugee camps and 1,620 households within refugee camps and sites. The data collection process involves the use of household questionnaires, community questionnaires, and time-use surveys. According to Honoré Blaise Tchamgoue Nguemaleu, the project leader, the data collection process is progressing satisfactorily, with approximately 1,080 households visited so far.
The ECAM6 survey aims to produce indicators on the living conditions of Cameroon's population, update the poverty profile, and evaluate the country's progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The survey will also assess the effectiveness of the country's National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (SND30) in reducing poverty. The data collected will provide insights into the country's poverty situation, including the national poverty rate, which has fluctuated in recent years.
According to the INS, the national poverty rate in Cameroon decreased from 40.2% in 2001 to 37.5% in 2014 but increased to 38.6% in 2021. The 2022 survey reported a national poverty rate of 37.7%, with significant disparities between urban and rural areas. The survey will help identify the factors contributing to poverty and inform policies aimed at reducing it.
Despite the progress made so far, the data collection process has faced some challenges, including resistance from some households, particularly in Yaoundé and Douala. The main reasons cited for this resistance are a lack of information about the survey and a perceived lack of interest in participating. The INS is working to address these concerns and ensure the successful completion of the survey.
The ECAM6 survey will provide valuable insights into the living conditions of Cameroon's population, including data on income, education, and housing. The data collected will enable policymakers to design targeted interventions aimed at reducing poverty and improving living standards. The survey's findings will also contribute to the country's efforts to achieve the SDGs and promote sustainable development.
The INS has assured the public that the data collected will be treated with confidentiality and used solely for statistical purposes. The survey's results are expected to be released in the coming months, providing valuable information for policymakers, researchers, and development partners. The INS has encouraged households to participate in the survey, emphasizing the importance of their contributions to the country's development efforts.
Key points
- The sixth Cameroon Household Survey aims to track poverty and development progress in the country.
- The survey will cover a sample of 15,777 households and provide insights into living conditions, poverty, and development.
- The data collected will inform policies aimed at reducing poverty and improving living standards in Cameroon.
