Hands-on Training on Sampling Design, Weighting, and Estimations Concludes in Tiguent

From 5-9 February 2024, and under the second phase of the Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARS) organized a hands-on training workshop on Sampling design, weighting, and estimations in Tiguent. This training, led by statistician Soufiane Mestari, aimed to enhance the statistical capabilities of local agricultural and livestock ministries and agencies through the development, maintenance, and utilization of Master Sampling Frames (MSF). 

The workshop, spanning five days, was attended by ten dedicated participants representing various sectors, including agriculture, livestock, national statistics, and food security. The curriculum was meticulously designed to cover a wide range of topics critical for robust statistical analysis in agriculture, from basic sampling concepts to advanced techniques like multi-stage sampling and sample weighting calibration. 

Practical sessions were emphasized, with participants engaging in exercises using various statistical software, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience that blends theoretical knowledge with real-world application. 

Feedback from the attendees highlighted the workshop's success in meeting its objectives, with many expressing a newfound confidence in applying these sophisticated sampling techniques to their work. The event underscored the necessity of ongoing training and support in this field, suggesting that future sessions could benefit from extended durations and a greater focus on practical exercises. 

This mission not only reinforced GSARS's commitment to strengthening agricultural statistics systems worldwide but also set a precedent for future capacity-building efforts in Mauritania and beyond, promising a more data-driven approach to agricultural development and policymaking.