From 23 to 31 October 2023, Zimbabwe hosted a hands-on Data Analysis Workshop, significantly advancing its agricultural statistics capabilities. Stella Wambugu and Franck Cachia, expert trainers, led 16 participants from ZIMSTAT and the Ministry of Agriculture in this practical training, which was about more than learning; it was a preparation for a future where data drives excellence in agricultural statistics and policy-making. 

From 18-22 September 2023, Guinea embarked on a vital initiative to bolster its agricultural data collection capabilities through a workshop as part of the second phase of the Global Strategy for the Improvement of Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARSII). This program is pivotal for improving the nation's capacity to gather comprehensive data on agricultural losses, a key element of an integrated national agricultural statistics system. Under the guidance of trainer Audrier Sanou, the workshop engaged twelve data collection agents—of which 58% were women—in an intensive training aimed at enhancing both their technical skills and their understanding of the nuances involved in agricultural surveys. 

The second phase of the Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARS) has identified several assistance themes aimed at strengthening the capacities of national agricultural statistical systems in terms of accountability and policy development. In line with this initiative, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has been supporting 25 African countries on various themes based on their specific needs. Mali has selected, among others, the themes of economic indicators (FARMECO), agricultural losses (PERTES), farm typology (TEA), and food balance sheets (BA). This mission, led by Samba CISSE and Hamidou KONKOBO, was instrumental in disseminating the results of all GSARS II activities conducted in the country. 

The consistent and accurate dissemination of official statistics is a primary goal for national statistical systems agencies (SSN), a principle emphasized by the United Nations' Fundamental Principles of Official Statistics (UNFPOS).  It is in this context that, from 09 ...

The Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARSII) continues its pursuit to address the statistical needs of developing countries, aiming to elevate the quality and availability of agricultural and rural data. To achieve that goal, a series of comprehensive training workshops have been successfully executed in Madagascar and Comoros, steered by the expertise of trainer TIOTSOP Blaise. The participants, who come from diverse professional backgrounds, were enriched with a deep understanding of qualitative data processing, specifically harnessing the capabilities of statistical softwares. 

As part of the second phase of the Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARS II), FAO organized a training focused on open data standards and dissemination. This workshop was hosted in Ghana from September 25 to 30, 2023, with the expertise of trainer Yasmine El Husseiny.