Participants pictured during the SADC AIMS Indicator Workshop that took place in Swakopmund between 12-15 December 2023.

Swakopmund, Namibia - In a collaborative effort to strengthen Namibia's agricultural information systems and decision-making processes, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Land Reform (MAWLR) recently hosted a workshop on the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Agriculture Information Management System (AIMS) platform.

Twenty-three participants from government, parastatal, and private sector institutions participated in the intensive session, which equipped them with valuable skills for data compilation, reporting, and analysis using the AIMS portal and Power BI software.

Empowering Data Entry and Analysis

The workshop delved into all 12 modules of the AIMS platform, providing comprehensive guidance on accessing, navigating, and utilizing the system. Participants gained insights into user access levels, security restrictions, and efficient data entry procedures. Moreover, they actively engaged in a Power BI training session, expressing strong interest in a planned online intermediate course scheduled for early 2024.

Strengthening Evidence-Based Policy

Both FAO and MAWLR emphasized the critical role of AIMS in enhancing evidence-based decision-making within the agricultural sector.

"The AIMS project component aims to bridge the gap between information and action," declared Gerson Aileka, MAWLR Chief Development Planner. "Our Ministry firmly believes in evidence-based policy formulation and impact assessment, and AIMS serves as a vital tool for achieving this goal."

Lesedi Modo, Assistant FAO Representative (Programmes) ad interim, echoed this sentiment: "This workshop is not just about familiarizing yourselves with the platform; it's about mastering it. Your understanding and effective utilization of AIMS are crucial for our collective efforts to improve agricultural production, sustainability, and competitiveness through informed decision-making."

Building on Existing Frameworks

The workshop aligns seamlessly with Namibia's existing commitment to robust agricultural data systems. Through the European Union (EU) funded "Support towards operationalization of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy" (STOSAR) Project initiated in 2019, the country formed a national technical AIMS committee under the framework of the Strategic Plan for Agriculture and Rural Statistics (SPARS). This guarantees cohesive data collection and reporting, fulfilling both national and international requirements.

"SPARS has been instrumental in guaranteeing comprehensive agricultural and rural statistics for Namibia," elaborated Modo. "It aligns perfectly with the core modules of AIMS, encompassing information on crops, livestock, aquaculture, land cover, and more. This synergy strengthens our national capacity for accurate and relevant data collection and analysis."

Moving Forward with Confidence

Building upon the success of this workshop, FAO and MAWLR are committed to further empowering stakeholders through AIMS training and support. As Aileka emphasizes, "Reliable data is essential for measuring progress towards food security, employment, and livelihood improvement goals. We actively seek collaborations to conduct a national workshop dedicated to compiling accurate data for the SADC AIMS portal."

This collaborative initiative between FAO and MAWLR paves the way for a future where data-driven insights guide Namibia's agricultural sector towards enhanced productivity, sustainability, and prosperity. By equipping stakeholders with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the AIMS platform effectively, the workshop paves the way for a transformative journey towards evidence-based decision-making and a brighter future for Namibian agriculture.