(a) What is population census? (b) Describe the problems faced in conducting a population census in your country.

Answer Details

(a) Population census. A population census is the official, periodic head-count of all the people living in a country at a particular time, together with the collection of data on their characteristics such as age, sex, occupation and location. It is usually conducted by government at fixed intervals (commonly every ten years).

(b) Problems of conducting a census in a developing country such as Nigeria.

• Illiteracy. Many respondents cannot read or fill forms, so enumerators must interpret questions, causing errors.
• Poor transport and communication. Bad roads and inaccessible rural or riverine areas make it hard to reach everyone.
• Inadequate finance and trained personnel. A census is costly, and shortage of funds and well-trained enumerators lowers accuracy.
• Cultural and religious objections. Some people refuse to disclose the number, sex or age of household members, or object to being counted.
• Political manipulation. Because revenue allocation and political representation often depend on population, figures may be deliberately inflated, and fear of this undermines accuracy.
• Ignorance and suspicion. Some believe the count is for taxation or conscription and give false information or hide.
• Mobility of the population. Nomads, migrant workers and travellers may be double-counted or missed.

Examination reminder: group your points into practical difficulties (transport, funds, illiteracy) and attitudinal ones (suspicion, political bias) to show a balanced answer.