Statistics

Sound and timely statistics are key to inform decisions, policies and investments that tackle issues related to food and agriculture, from hunger and malnutrition to rural poverty, from food systems productivity to the sustainable use of natural resources or to climate change.

FAO is dedicated to collecting, analysing, interpreting and disseminating food and agriculture statistics that are relevant for decision-making.

It is for this reason that developing and implementing methodologies and standards to assist countries in generating sound data and information is at the core of FAO’s statistical work.

FAO also supports member countries in the collection, dissemination and uptake of data to formulate policies and plans or to better orient investments.

A comprehensive list of FAO Statistical activities is included in the Statistical Programme of Work.

The FAO’s statistical system operates under the oversight of the Office of Chief statistician and it consists of a statistics division and statistics units embedded in technical departments.

• Office of Chief Statistician (OCS)
• Statistics Division (ESS)
• Animal Production and Health Division (AGA)
• Plant Production and Protection Division (AGP)
• Agricultural Development Economics Division (ESA)
• Nutrition and Food Systems Division (ESN)
• Social Policies and Rural Institutions Division (ESP)
• Trade and Markets Division (EST)
• Fisheries and Aquaculture Policy and Resources Division (FIA)
  
• Forestry Department (FO)
  
• Climate, Biodiversity, Land and Water Department (CB)