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Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics

Finalization of the GSARS Food Balance Sheets Package: A Global Strategy Milestone

16/02/2024

The Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics-Phase II (GSARS-II) has achieved a significant milestone with the finalization of the Food Balance Sheets (FBS) package, which represents a tremendous step forward in enhancing agricultural data systems across Nigeria, Mali, Comoros, and Zimbabwe. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in the journey towards improving food security analysis and policymaking through detailed agricultural data. The FBS package enables countries to acquire knowledge and skills in the compilation of national FBS as well as to generate nutrient-related data on food availability for human consumption per capita per day in terms of K-calories, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals, other micro and macronutrients within a country for a specific period, offering a critical tool for informed decision-making, and cross-data validation. 

Achievements across targeted countries 

  • Nigeria experienced a groundbreaking achievement by compiling its first national Supply Utilization Accounts/Food Balance Sheets for 2014-2020, enhancing statistical capacities and underpinning crucial food security indicators. 
  • Comoros and Mali successfully finalized all FBS training activities, culminating in the compilation of national FBS and the production of related food security indicators using FAO methodology, marking a significant advancement in their statistical capabilities. 
  • Zimbabwe stands out for undertaking its very first compilation of national Food Balance Sheet 2014-2022, showcasing a critical development towards understanding and addressing food security within the country. 

  

The successful implementation of the FBS package would not have been possible without the dedication and expertise of trainers Giorgia Amato, Livia Lombardi, Giulia Piva, Dominique Habimana, Chiara Bordin, Cristina Valdivia, Baba Ali Mwango and the participation of over 65 attendees. Their collective efforts have significantly contributed to the capacity building and enhancement of agricultural statistics in these African countries. Additionally, heartfelt thanks go to our donors, the European Union and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, for their generous support in this endeavour. 

The completion of the FBS package across these four countries reflects a collaborative success in the global effort to improve agricultural and rural statistics in Africa. The achievements in Nigeria, Mali, Comoros, and Zimbabwe exemplify the major impact that comprehensive data analysis and capacity building can have on food security and policymaking. As we celebrate this milestone, we look forward to the continued advancements and capacity building in the field of agricultural statistics.