South Sudan Prepares for its first-ever Labour Force and Migration Survey with Successful ToT Workshop

On 4–5 March 2025, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) in South Sudan, with support from the International Labour Organization (ILO), through the Better Regional Migration Management (BRMM) Programme, funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), conducted a Training of Trainers (ToT) workshop in Juba. The two-day session focused on mapping and household listing procedures to update the sampling frame for South Sudan’s first-ever Labour Force and Migration Survey (LF&MS), scheduled for implementation later this year.

The ToT brought together participants from Central Equatoria and technical experts from NBS. to the training equipped trainees with the necessary knowledge and practical skills to carry out precise mapping and listing of households in selected enumeration areas (EAs). These trainers will subsequently deliver the same training to field staff across all states, forming the foundation of a robust and updated national sampling frame.

The training was officially opened by Dr. Augustino Ting Mayai, Director General of NBS, who emphasized the importance of accurate, comprehensive data for labour market planning and evidence-based policy making. He urged participants to take the training seriously and to ensure that field teams replicate the procedures consistently across regions. Dr. Mayai also acknowledged the ILO’s continued technical and financial support in strengthening South Sudan’s statistical systems.

Throughout the workshop, participants received instruction from experienced NBS facilitators, with technical input from the ILO. The sessions covered key procedures, including locating clusters, preparing sketch and location maps, listing all structures and households, identifying dwellings with migrant households, and recording data using GPS-enabled tablets. Special attention was given to large EAs requiring segmentation, with participants learning how to divide and sample segments effectively.

The training was not merely theoretical. Participants engaged in hands-on sessions with data collection tools and simulated listing operations using tablets. Practical demonstrations helped trainees understand how to update maps, record household details accurately, and manage field-level challenges such as non-responses, unclear boundaries, and structures with mixed use. These sessions ensured that trainers are well-prepared to guide field teams in real-world scenarios.

One of the critical outcomes of the training was the development of standard procedures for mapping and listing to ensure national consistency. This includes detailed roles for supervisors, mappers, and listers, as well as a clearly defined system of quality control, supervision, and data validation. Enumerators were trained not only in technical procedures but also in ethical standards, including the importance of informed consent, community engagement, and data confidentiality.

The training also emphasized action points to support smooth field deployment. These included configuring of all 68 tablets before deployment, conducting a half-day practical tablet session prior to travel, and ensuring all team members understand the fieldwork guidelines. Logistical recommendations such as transportation arrangements, coordination with local authorities, and proper handling of cases where households lack phone numbers were all documented.

The successful delivery of this ToT represents a critical step toward implementing the Labour Force and Migration Survey. For the first time, South Sudan will be equipped with a nationally representative sampling frame that reflects the dynamics of its labour force and migration flows. The LF&MS will fill a significant data gap and provide much-needed insights to support labour market planning, migration policy formulation, and economic development strategies.

As a result of this training, South Sudan now has a trained professionals capable of leading household listing and mapping operations across the country. These trainers are essential to ensuring the consistency and reliability of data collection for the LF&MS. The participants expressed their appreciation for the training and committed to cascading the knowledge to state-level teams effectively.

The workshop concluded with remarks by Mr. Wilson, Chief of Finance and Support Services, who applauded the quality of engagement and the professionalism shown by the trainees. He also urged the ILO to expedite the disbursement of resources for fieldwork, highlighting the importance of conducting these activities during the dry season for better accessibility.