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Fieldwork context in Cabo Verde

Portuguese is the official language and the working language of government, laws and written instruments. Cabo Verdean Creole is essential for respondent-facing interviewing across islands, with Sotavento and Barlavento variants considered during translation. Back-translation should test whether formal Portuguese concepts sound natural when delivered orally in Creole.

The population is island-based, with Praia on Santiago and Mindelo on Sao Vicente carrying much of the urban load. Smaller islands have dispersed towns, rural settlements and ferry or flight constraints. National samples need island strata and careful weighting; targeted work can focus on Santiago, Sao Vicente or tourism-linked islands depending on the audience.

Mobile and internet access are relatively good in towns, so phone and online methods can work for many urban segments. Face-to-face logistics depend on inter-island transport, wind, flight schedules and local municipality coordination. Public or health studies may need ministry or ethics clearance. Fieldwork usually fits about two to four weeks, longer for all-island coverage.

Fieldwork notes compiled from public sources by Surveysphere Africa; confirmed with our in-country partner before a study starts.

Define your local study requirements

Plan the locations, participants and practical requirements for your study.

  • Study locations and participants

    Identify the locations and audiences you need to reach in Cabo Verde. Confirm access and recruitment feasibility before commissioning.

  • Languages and methods

    Specify interview languages, accessibility needs and your preferred collection approach. Local availability must be confirmed.

  • Timing and approvals

    Share your intended fieldwork dates and any institutional or participant approval requirements.

Plan your study in Cabo Verde.

Tell us who you need to reach in Cabo Verde, what you need to learn and when. We will discuss the feasibility with you.

Discuss a study in Cabo Verde