FAO presents the Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI) during AFCAS 28, calling upon member countries to support its implementation in Africa

During the 28th session of the African Commission on Agricultural Statistics (AFCAS), the FAO Statistics Division presented the Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI), a global leading programme compiling and analysing agricultural research data for over two decades.

ASTI focuses on institutional developments, investments, human resources capacity, and research outputs in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), and operates through a vast network of national research agencies, regional coordinating bodies, and international institutions. The programme, formerly managed by the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), is now transitioning into FAO.

The institutionalization process of ASTI poses challenges and opportunities, requiring a new vision and improved operational mechanisms. The role of national statistical authorities is crucial to enhance the quality, timeliness, and completeness of ASTI data. The adoption of a new data collection approach includes national validation, aiming to integrate ASTI into both global and national statistical mechanisms while fostering increased country ownership.

The findings and outputs of ASTI’s work have had important policy relevance at the national, regional, and international levels. In particular in this region, the African Union Commission has adopted ASTI investment recommendations and targets as part of the CAADP/Malabo declaration on accelerated agricultural growth.

The presentation at AFCAS was introduced by the Director of FAO Statistics Division, José Rosero Moncayo. It was followed by a presentation made by ASTI lead statistician, Hernán Muñoz, on the main implications of ASTI transition into FAO, and an intervention of the Director of Business and Agricultural Statistics of the National Bureau of Statistics of Nigeria, Babalola Ayodele David, who brought insights on recent intergovernmental dialogues about the roadmap for ASTI institutionalization.

AFCAS member countries were called upon supporting ASTI activities in Africa and they were encouraged to integrate ASTI data collection into National Statistical System mechanisms, while undertaking data quality assessments, or where applicable, pursuing statistical quality certifications for ASTI data. Member countries were also invited to initiate national dialogues to establish fit-for-purpose models and enhance country ownership of the ASTI data.