Gathering Insights in Chad: Can CATI Surveys Deliver?

Chad, a landlocked nation in Central Africa, has a population of over 18 million people, with a significant portion residing in rural areas. While internet penetration remains low compared to global averages, mobile phone subscriptions are steadily increasing, particularly in urban and peri-urban centers. This evolving digital landscape presents specific considerations for remote data collection. Global Vox Populi partners with local teams to manage these realities, delivering effective CATI research in Chad, mirroring our capabilities for CATI research in Niger.

What we research in Chad

In Chad, CATI research helps answer critical business questions across various sectors. We conduct brand health tracking to understand consumer perceptions and competitive standing among mobile phone users. Usage and Attitude (U&A) studies identify consumption patterns and motivations for products and services. Customer experience research measures satisfaction with services like telecommunications or banking. We also field public opinion polls on social issues or policy changes. Segmentation studies help clients define target audiences, while concept testing evaluates new product or service ideas among relevant demographics. We customize our approach as a quantitative research company in Chad, tailoring the research scope to each client’s specific objectives.

Why CATI Research fits (or struggles) in Chad

CATI research effectively reaches mobile phone owners in Chad, particularly those in urban and semi-urban areas like N’Djamena, Moundou, and Sarh. This method is suitable for accessing populations with higher literacy rates and consistent network coverage. However, CATI struggles to reach deep rural populations with limited mobile access or low literacy, where face-to-face methods might be more appropriate. Language diversity is another consideration; while French and Chadian Arabic are official, numerous local languages are spoken. Our interviewers are fluent in the primary languages, but for specific ethnic groups, dedicated language resources are essential. When the target audience is largely off-grid or requires visual aids, we recommend alternatives such as CAPI surveys in Chad, which allow for in-person data collection with digital tools.

How we run CATI Research in Chad

Our CATI operations in Chad rely on established in-country fieldwork partners. These partners maintain centralized call centers staffed by experienced interviewers. Recruitment sources include proprietary mobile phone databases and opt-in panels built through local outreach efforts. We implement rigorous screening protocols, including validation questions and attention checks, to deliver respondent eligibility and engagement. Recent-participation flags prevent over-surveying. Fieldwork is conducted via modern CATI platforms, allowing for efficient questionnaire administration and real-time data capture. Interviews are available in French and Chadian Arabic, with trained interviewers proficient in both. Each interviewer undergoes specific training on the project brief, cultural nuances, and ethical guidelines. Quality assurance includes live call monitoring, audio recording review, and daily data validation by project managers. Deliverables typically include raw data files (SPSS, Excel), detailed tabulations, and interactive dashboards. We maintain a single project lead from kickoff through debrief, providing regular updates on fieldwork progress. To discuss your project needs, share your brief with us.

Where we field in Chad

Our CATI fieldwork in Chad primarily focuses on major urban centers and their surrounding peri-urban areas. This includes the capital city N’Djamena, along with other significant urban hubs such as Moundou, Sarh, and Abéché. We prioritize areas with reliable mobile network coverage to deliver consistent data collection. While CATI’s reach into deep rural zones can be challenging due to infrastructure limitations, our network allows us to target populations in accessible regional towns. Language coverage for fieldwork includes both French and Chadian Arabic, delivering effective communication with a broad segment of the population. For projects requiring penetration into very remote or underserved regions, we would discuss alternative methodologies.

Methodology, standards, and ethics

Global Vox Populi conducts all research in Chad adhering to international standards for market research. We comply with the ICC/ESOMAR International Code on Market, Opinion and Social Research and Data Analytics (2016 revision), which sets global benchmarks for ethical data collection and respondent protection. Where applicable, our processes align with ISO 20252:2019, covering quality management systems for market, opinion, and social research. For CATI projects specifically, we follow AAPOR response rate definitions and disclosure guidelines, delivering transparency in our reporting. We also consult with local research bodies if one exists in Chad, or apply ESOMAR as the governing standard.

Applying these standards to CATI research means clear, informed consent is obtained from every respondent before an interview begins. Interviewers explain the purpose of the research, estimated duration, and anonymity of responses. No personally identifiable information is collected unless explicitly consented to for specific research purposes, and then only under strict data protection protocols. Respondents retain the right to withdraw from an interview at any point.

Quality assurance is integral to every CATI project. This involves ongoing interviewer training, live call monitoring by supervisors, and audio recording reviews to deliver adherence to the script and ethical conduct. We implement back-checks on a percentage of completed interviews to verify data accuracy and respondent participation. Quota validation is performed daily to deliver sample composition matches demographic targets. Statistical validation of quantitative data confirms internal consistency and reliability.

Drivers and barriers for CATI Research in Chad

DRIVERS: The increasing mobile phone penetration in Chad, particularly in urban areas, acts as a primary driver for CATI research. This allows for relatively rapid data collection compared to face-to-face methods, especially for time-sensitive projects. The method offers a more cost-efficient approach for reaching dispersed urban populations than extensive field teams. Also, post-pandemic shifts have increased acceptance of remote data collection across many sectors, encouraging more organizations to consider CATI.

BARRIERS: Significant barriers exist for CATI in Chad. Low literacy rates in some regions can impact respondent comprehension and participation. The country’s linguistic diversity, beyond French and Chadian Arabic, requires careful interviewer selection and training to avoid miscommunication. Connectivity gaps persist outside major cities, leading to call drops or difficulty reaching certain segments. Low B2B response rates can also be a challenge, as business professionals may be less inclined to participate in unsolicited calls. Cultural sensitivities may require careful phrasing of questions, especially on topics like health, family, or politics.

Compliance and data handling under Chad’s framework

Chad does not currently have a comprehensive, dedicated data protection law comparable to GDPR or CCPA. In the absence of specific national legislation, Global Vox Populi applies the stringent principles of the ICC/ESOMAR International Code on Market, Opinion and Social Research and Data Analytics as the governing framework for all projects in Chad. This delivers data is collected ethically, transparently, and with respect for individual privacy. For CATI research, this means obtaining explicit consent from respondents for their participation and the processing of their data. All collected data is anonymized unless specific, informed consent for identifiable data is secured for a particular research purpose. Data residency is managed through secure servers, and strict retention policies are in place to delete data once its research purpose is fulfilled. Respondents are informed of their right to withdraw their data at any time. We also extend the principles of GDPR where appropriate, especially when working with multinational clients.

Top 20 industries we serve in Chad

Research projects in Chad span various sectors critical to the nation’s economy. Our CATI capabilities support insights gathering across these industries:

  • Oil & Gas: Stakeholder perception studies, community impact assessments.
  • Agriculture: Farmer surveys on crop yield, input usage, market access.
  • Telecommunications: Customer satisfaction, network quality perception, new service adoption.
  • Banking & Financial Services: Account holder satisfaction, digital banking adoption, product concept testing.
  • FMCG & CPG: Brand health tracking, product concept testing, consumer usage patterns.
  • Retail & Distribution: Shopper behavior, store experience, brand perception.
  • Healthcare & Pharma: Public health awareness, patient journeys, access to medicines.
  • Government & Public Sector: Citizen satisfaction with services, policy perception, opinion polling.
  • NGO & Development: Program evaluation, beneficiary feedback, social impact assessment.
  • Education: Parent satisfaction, school choice drivers, educational needs assessment.
  • Logistics & Transportation: B2B satisfaction with freight services, transport infrastructure perception.
  • Utilities (Water & Electricity): Customer satisfaction, service reliability perception.
  • Automotive: Brand perception for vehicle ownership, after-sales service satisfaction.
  • Construction: B2B contractor needs, material supplier satisfaction.
  • Beverages (Non-alcoholic): Brand equity, consumption habits, flavor preference.
  • Media & Entertainment: Content consumption, channel preference, advertising recall.
  • Tobacco: Market size estimation, usage patterns (within ethical guidelines).
  • Tourism: Traveler motivations, destination perception, service quality.
  • Animal Husbandry: Livestock owner practices, market access for animal products.
  • Mining: Local community engagement, environmental perception.

Companies and brands in our research universe in Chad

Research projects we field in Chad regularly cover the competitive sets of category leaders such as:

  • Tigo Chad (now part of Airtel Africa)
  • Airtel Chad
  • Société des Hydrocarbures du Tchad (SHT)
  • Glencore Chad
  • Ecobank Chad
  • Société Générale Tchad
  • Chari Bank
  • Nestlé Chad
  • Coca-Cola Chad
  • Brasseries du Tchad (local brewery)
  • TotalEnergies Marketing Tchad
  • Moov Africa Tchad (Etisalat)
  • Bolloré Logistics Chad
  • Chad Airlines (T’Chadia Airlines)
  • Sultan Cereals
  • CotonTchad (cotton company)
  • LafargeHolcim Chad
  • Orange Chad (via partners)
  • Vivo Energy Chad (Shell licensee)
  • Ets. Moussaoui (major importer/distributor)

Whether the brief covers any of these or a category we have not named, our process scales to it.

Why teams choose Global Vox Populi for CATI Research in Chad

Teams select Global Vox Populi for our experience in challenging markets like Chad. Our in-country desk operates with senior researchers who average over ten years of tenure. This deep experience informs our approach to fieldwork logistics and cultural nuances. Translation and back-translation for French and Chadian Arabic are handled in-house by native speakers, preserving questionnaire integrity. Clients benefit from a single project lead from kickoff through debrief, delivering consistent communication and accountability. We provide regular, transparent updates, detailing fieldwork progress and any specific challenges encountered, allowing for proactive adjustments.

Ready to scope a project? Send us your brief and we will come back with a sample plan, panel options, and recommended approach. Request A Quote.

Want to see the kind of work we deliver? View Case Studies from our research projects.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do you deliver sample quality for Chad’s diverse population?
A: we research the categories of local partners who understand Chad’s demographics and mobile penetration patterns. Our screening includes geo-targeting where feasible and specific demographic quotas. Interviewers are trained to identify and mitigate response bias. We also conduct back-checks to verify respondent authenticity and deliver quotas are met accurately, reflecting the target population.

Q: Which languages do you cover in Chad?
A: For CATI research in Chad, our primary languages are French and Chadian Arabic, which are the official languages and most widely spoken. We can also accommodate other prominent local languages like Sara or Fulfulde through specialized interviewers, depending on the project scope and target audience. All questionnaires undergo rigorous translation and back-translation processes.

Q: How do you reach hard-to-find audiences (senior B2B, low-incidence consumer segments) in Chad?
A: Reaching low-incidence groups in Chad requires a multi-pronged approach. For B2B audiences, we often start with targeted database outreach and professional networks. For low-incidence consumers, we may employ longer screening questionnaires or recruit via local community leaders who can help identify eligible respondents. Sometimes, a mixed-mode approach combining CATI with other methods is necessary.

Q: What is your approach to data privacy compliance under Chad’s framework?
A: Since Chad lacks a specific comprehensive data protection law, we strictly adhere to the ICC/ESOMAR International Code on Market, Opinion and Social Research and Data Analytics. This delivers informed consent, anonymization of personal data, secure data handling, and transparent communication about data usage. Respondents are always informed of their rights, including data withdrawal.

Q: Can you combine CATI with other methods?
A: Yes, we frequently integrate CATI with other methodologies in Chad to provide richer insights. For example, CATI can be used for quantitative screening, followed by in-depth interviews in Chad for qualitative exploration among specific segments. Combining CATI with CAPI (Computer Assisted Personal Interviewing) can also extend reach into areas with lower mobile penetration. This mixed-mode approach addresses the unique fieldwork challenges.

Q: How do you manage cultural sensitivity in Chad?
A: Cultural sensitivity in Chad is managed through several layers. Our local interviewers are native to Chad and trained on cultural norms and communication styles. Questionnaires are carefully reviewed for potential cultural biases or sensitive phrasing by local experts. We deliver interviewers approach topics like religion, politics, or family with appropriate deference and neutrality, fostering an environment where respondents feel comfortable sharing their views.

Q: Do you handle both consumer and B2B research in Chad?
A: Yes, Global Vox Populi conducts both consumer and B2B CATI research in Chad. For consumer studies, we target general populations or specific demographic segments. For B2B, we identify and interview professionals across various industries, from small business owners to corporate managers. Our screening processes are adapted to verify the professional roles and decision-making authority of B2B respondents.

Q: What deliverables do clients receive at the end of a CATI project in Chad?
A: Clients typically receive raw data files in formats like SPSS or Excel, comprehensive cross-tabulations, and an executive summary report. We also offer interactive dashboards for real-time data exploration and debrief presentations that synthesize key findings and strategic implications. All deliverables are designed to be actionable and directly address the initial research objectives.

Q: How do you handle quality assurance and back-checks?
A: Quality assurance for CATI in Chad includes continuous interviewer training, live call monitoring, and audio recording reviews. A percentage of completed interviews undergo back-checks by a separate quality control team to verify respondent eligibility, data accuracy, and that the interview was completed according to protocol. This multi-layered approach delivers data integrity.

Q: How do you select interviewers for Chad?
A: Interviewers for Chad are selected based on their fluency in French and Chadian Arabic, previous experience in market research, and understanding of local cultural nuances. They undergo specific project training, covering the questionnaire, screening criteria, and ethical guidelines. We prioritize interviewers who demonstrate neutrality, professionalism, and strong communication skills to deliver reliable data collection.

When your next research brief involves Chad, let’s talk through it. Request A Quote or View Case Studies from our work.