2026 Gambia Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) Main Fieldwork Commences
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- Published: June 3, 2026
June 3 2026, Banjul - The Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBoS), in collaboration with sector Ministries, UNICEF, UNFPA and WB, is pleased to announce the commencement of the Main Fieldwork for the 2026 Gambia Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS), a nationally representative household survey aimed at generating reliable and timely data for evidence-based planning and policymaking mainly for women, adolescent and child.
The Main Fieldwork officially commenced on 14 May 2026, following extensive preparatory activities, including mapping and listing of 390 clusters nationwide and the selection of 7,793 households for participation in the survey.
The survey is being implemented by 10 field teams comprising of supervisors, interviewers, measurers, and drivers deployed across the country. The Fieldwork is expected to continue until 19 August 2026.
Prior to deployment, 80 field staff and 13 trainers participated in an intensive one month Main Fieldwork Training which began on 7 April 2026. The Training covered both theoretical and practical components, including role plays, quizzes, in-class exercises, and field practice using both Paper-Assisted Personal Interview (PAPI) and Computer-Assisted Personal Interview (CAPI) methodologies.
As part of efforts to ensure high-quality data collection, specialized trainings were also conducted on anthropometric measurements and water quality testing. These trainings were facilitated by experts from UNICEF and the National Nutrition Agency.
The 2026 Gambia MICS will collect critical data on the wellbeing of women, children, and households, including education, health, nutrition, water and sanitation, child protection, and other key social indicators necessary for monitoring national development priorities and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The Gambia Bureau of Statistics calls on all selected households and communities to cooperate with the survey teams by providing accurate information. All information collected during the survey will be treated with strict confidentiality and used solely for statistical purposes.
GBoS extends appreciation to UNICEF, the World Bank (HISWACA, RISE, SWEDD), UNFPA, sector ministries, local authorities, community leaders, and all partners supporting the successful implementation of the survey.
