GOV INSTAT 2018-2022 Population census no 5

The population census is more or less done this year in spring 2023. However, the final results of the census has not been presented yet.

The Swedish contribution will be used by the Malian government to co-fund the fifth population census (RGPH5) in Mali. By Malian law and according to UN recommendations these are to take place every 10 years. The census is not a sample but a complete inventory of people and their accommodation in Mali. The census will provide data and analyses on: 1) total number of inhabitants in Mali and structure by sex and age 2) spatial distribution of people according to administrative unites and type of residence 3) social, economic and cultural characteristics of the Malian population 4) level, structure and tendencies regarding fertility, civil status, mortality and migration 5) indicators for lobbying regarding vulnerable groups, especially old people, women, young people, people living with handicaps, displaced people, orphans etc 6) conclusions regarding the evolution of the data above since the 1976 census 7) projections and demographic prospects into the future 8) characteristics of households, habitat and livelihoods 9) analysis and cartography of poverty 10) updated statistics on villages, wells and other collective social infrastructure 11) geo-referenced information on collective social infrastructure and economic units 12) establishment of demographic indicators 13) capacity building on data collection, analysis and communication using modern information technology The intervention produces baseline information and analyses that are crucial to the design of development action, not only led by the Malian government but also its development partners. It allows for tailoring of development work to the needs of different geographic areas and groups of people, including marginalizedones. This is important to reduce the tensions between groups and the risk for radicalization that could take place if some groups are left behind in terms of development. Without baselines it is impossible to monitor if development action has impact and without it is also impossible for civil society to demand accountability from decision makers. This works contributes to the Embassy’s overall theory of change with support to political dialogue, field activities and capacity building. This support to the Malian population census will provide important baselines on the situation and needs of the Malian population.