Accurate population data can make the difference between a census that reaches every community and one that leaves people unseen. That is why experts from the Malawi National Statistical Office (NSO), the UK Office for National Statistics (ONS) and WorldPop recently came together in Blantyre for a five-day technical training workshop focused on the future of census planning in Malawi.
Led by WorldPop Principal Research Fellow Dr Sarchil Qader and Senior Research Fellow Dr Ortis Yankey, the workshop focused on helping NSO staff develop high-resolution household population estimates by combining census and survey information with geospatial data. Participants received practical training in spatial data processing, geospatial modelling, uncertainty assessment, and model validation using Bayesian statistical methods and the R programming language.
Accurate and up-to-date population data are essential for effective census preparation. They help national statistical offices understand where people live, plan field operations efficiently, and allocate resources where they are needed most. By using innovative geospatial approaches, census teams can improve the accuracy of population estimates while reducing the time and cost associated with large-scale data collection activities.
The workshop explored how population estimates can be applied to practical census planning tasks. Participants worked with tools designed to support enumeration area updating, partitioning, and operational planning, helping them prepare for future census activities using more efficient and evidence-based approaches. These methods will contribute directly to preparations for Malawi’s 2028 Population and Housing Census.
Dr Qader comments: “This workshop demonstrates the value of international collaboration in strengthening national statistical systems. Working alongside colleagues from the Malawi NSO and ONS, we are sharing innovative approaches that can help deliver more accurate population data and support better decisions for communities across Malawi.”
Beyond technical training, the event highlighted the value of long-term international partnerships in strengthening national statistical systems. The collaboration builds on established relationships between WorldPop, ONS, and the Malawi NSO, creating opportunities for continued research, technical assistance, and capacity strengthening in the years ahead.
By investing in local expertise and modern geospatial methods, the partnership is helping ensure that future census data can better support planning, service delivery, and evidence-based decision-making across Malawi. The workshop represents another step towards more accurate, timely, and actionable population information for sustainable development.
