Overview
The Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARS), now in its third phase (2024–2027), builds on over a decade of experience to deliver targeted technical assistance, training, and regional collaboration that help national statistical offices and ministries of agriculture strengthen their data systems and meet global development goals.
This phase focuses on cost-effective survey methods, improved data dissemination practices, and stronger human capital, supporting ten African countries and a group of Pacific Island nations through close collaboration with regional institutions to ensure long-term sustainability.
Where We Work
Technical assistance and training for African countries to strengthen national agricultural statistical systems, in close alignment with the 50x2030 Initiative and CAADP accountability reporting.
Agricultural statistics training and technical assistance specifically tailored to the needs of Small Island Developing States, focusing on cost-effective survey techniques and data processing.
Key Goals
- Strengthen agricultural statistical systems in developing countries for the production and use of agricultural and rural statistics.
- Ensure the sustainable implementation of capacity development efforts.
- Build skills in data collection, data processing, and dissemination, improving the quality of statistics produced by national institutions and making them accessible for evidence-based policymaking, planning, and accountability.
- Support countries in producing selected SDG and CAADP indicators.
Guiding Principles
Tailored capacity development — focuses on delivering demand-driven training aligned with national and regional priorities.
Integrated agricultural and food-security data — strengthening data systems to monitor SDG 2 and guide evidence-based policies.
Institutional sustainability — ensures that skills, tools, and governance are embedded within national institutions for lasting capacity.
Partnerships and regional collaboration — promoting harmonized methodologies, knowledge exchange, and South–South cooperation.
Inclusiveness and gender responsiveness — mainstreaming gender equality throughout all activities.
Data dissemination and analysis — efforts will be directed towards reinforcing data presentation skills. The project prepares countries for better data use by assisting them in improved statistical data analysis and dissemination.