Virtual Training on Data Disaggregation and Small Area Estimation for SDG Indicators (22-25 November 2022)

Organized by FAO's Office of Chief Statistician, the Virtual Training on Data Disaggregation and Small Area Estimation for SDG Indicators provided the statisticians and data analysts from the National Statistical Offices of Benin, Mali and South Africa with the basic methodological and practical tools to implement simple Small Area Estimation models for data disaggregation of SDG indicators based on survey data.

The practical sessions of the training were delivered with the open software R, using scientific use microdata files of official surveys and censuses and geospatial data retrieved from accredited data sources.

During these sessions, examples of indirect estimation approaches applied to SDG indicators 2.1.2, 2.3.1, 2.3.2, and 5.a.1 were provided.

The expected outcomes of the training were the following:
- Clarify the importance of data disaggregation in the context of the SDG monitoring framework.
- Discuss the main challenges posed by data disaggregation for SDG indicators having surveys as their main data source and illustrate the available methodological and practical solutions.
- Introduce the main SAE approaches available and discuss basic unit and area level SAE models.
- Provide practical examples based on SDG indicators under FAO custodianship, displaying the use of selected R packages to implement SAE techniques.
- Identify technical assistance needs from the invited countries for the implementation of future targeted activities on SAE for SDG or other national priority indicators.