In Banjul, a two-week training under the Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARS III) is underway courtesy of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). The training sets the stage for up-to-date data in
In Banjul, a two-week training under the Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARS III) is underway courtesy of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO).The training sets the stage for up-to-date data in the agriculture sector. Participants from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security’s Department of Planning and the Gambia Bureau of Statistics have gathered to master STATA Software, aiming to turn raw data into powerful insights to drive sustainable farming practices.
This training focuses on equipping participants with advanced skills in STATA software for data processing, tabulation, and statistical analysis. The move is to ensure that agricultural planning and policymaking are based on accurate and timely information leading to better decision making.
The primary objective of this training is to build the technical skills necessary for processing and analyzing agricultural data using STATA. Assistant FAO Representative in Charge of Programmes, Dr. Mustapha Ceesay captured the spirit of the workshop. “The GSARS initiative provides technical assistance and training to ensure that national statistical systems can produce and analyze high-quality agricultural data, which is essential for tracking progress towards national development goals and global commitments like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
In a related sentiment, Mme. Fatou Jammeh the Deputy Permanent Secretary in charge of Programmes and Operations at the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security, explained the stakes for the sector. “Without quality data, the agriculture sector faces significant challenges that can hinder productivity and sustainability. Inaccurate or incomplete data can lead to suboptimal decision-making, resulting in inefficient resource utilization, reduced crop yields, and increased operational costs.” She said. DPS Jammeh further emphasized, “We are not expecting anything but to acquire essential skills in collecting, analyzing, and managing accurate data, leading to improved decision-making and resource optimization. This training will enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in farming practices, benefiting the entire agricultural sector.” Her words reflect a strong commitment to leveraging data for better outcomes.
Participants have also shared their excitement about the workshop. Ebrima Touray, an employee of The Gambia Bureau of Statistics (GBOS) said, “This training has opened my eyes to how powerful data can be. I now feel confident in using STATA to clean and analyze our survey data, which will help us make better decisions on the farm,” while Amadou Jallow, another participant added, “The interactive sessions and real-life case studies have given me a clear picture of how data-driven strategies can transform agricultural practices.”
Throughout the workshop, participants are engaging in hands-on sessions, practical exercises, and case studies using real data from the Pilot NASC 2025. The atmosphere is conversational and collaborative, as everyone works to turn theoretical knowledge into everyday practice. The integration of advanced statistical tools with day-to-day farming challenges is making a tangible difference, with experts already discussing ways to apply their new skills to improve the upcoming Agricultural Census.
The success of this training may translate to a far-reaching impact on agricultural planning and policymaking in The Gambia. With FAO’s continued partnership and robust support from GBOS and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Security this initiative will contribute to building a resilient future for agriculture.