GSARS Enhances Data-driven Agricultural Decision-making with Comprehensive STATA Training in Côte d’Ivoire

The Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARS) reaffirmed its commitment to elevate the standard of agricultural and rural statistics, orchestrating an essential training workshop on the use of STATA in Côte d’Ivoire. The workshop, which took place from July 3rd to July 7th, 2023, highlighted the significance of accurate data-driven approaches in agricultural policy formulation and sustainability. 

This initiative is a continuation of GSARS's dedication to enhancing the institutional, and human capacities of statistical systems, prioritizing timely, reliable, and cost-effective data collection methods. Given the critical role data plays in decision-making, the program emphasized the importance of quality in data processing and analysis, utilizing widely recognized statistical packages.

The in-person training, facilitated by expert N’ZI Kouadio Jean Stéphane, provided participants with hands-on experience and comprehensive understanding on how to utilize STATA for data analysis, specifically incorporating sampling plans for accurate survey results. Topics covered included a deep dive into sampling notions, defining a sampling plan in STATA, producing survey indicators and their variance coefficients, and generating graphics that integrate sampling plans.

Representatives from four key ministries, including Ministère des Eaux et Forêts (MINEF), Ministère de L'Environnement et du Développement Durable (MINEDD), Ministère d'État, Ministère de l’Agriculture et du Développement Rural (MEMINADER), and MIRAH (Ministère des Ressources Animales et Halieutiques), actively participated in the workshop. Of the 14 participants, women made up over a quarter, emphasizing the push towards inclusivity in data analytics training.

The GSARS program, which prioritizes the development of statistical knowledge in agricultural sectors, intends to drive nations towards more data-conscious decisions that uphold the principles of sustainable and productive agriculture. This workshop is a testament to this commitment, ensuring participants are well-equipped with the tools and expertise to elevate agricultural statistics in their respective ministries and beyond.