Hands-on Training on Data Analysis and computation of farm economic and CAADP Indicators Shapes the Future of Agriculture in Zimbabwe

From 23 to 31 October 2023, Zimbabwe hosted a hands-on Data Analysis Workshop, significantly advancing its agricultural statistics capabilities. Stella Wambugu and Franck Cachia, expert trainers, led 16 participants from ZIMSTAT and the Ministry of Agriculture in this practical training, which was about more than learning; it was a preparation for a future where data drives excellence in agricultural statistics and policy-making. 

Set against a backdrop where the Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARSII) is already making strides, Zimbabwe's commitment to enhancing its agricultural data analysis is commendable. Previous stages of this mission saw the creation and validation of combined AGPROD/FARMECO questionnaires and a pilot survey to collect crucial farm-level data. The workshop's timing was critical as it built on this foundation, focusing on the analysis of the results and the construction of economic indicators relevant to both national and international reporting frameworks, including Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme indicators (CAADP) and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

The workshop's objective was threefold: to present and deliberate on main economic indicators, enhance the data processing and analytical skills of local statisticians, and outline the technical assistance outcomes on FARMECO and AGPROD. It also sought to chart a course for the future, integrating these tools into the upcoming national surveys. 

Throughout the workshop, participants were not passive learners; they were encouraged to develop their calculation routines, fostering a deeper understanding and greater autonomy in data handling. Participants dove deep into the practicalities, calculating indicators like labor costs and productivity directly from survey data using various statistical software. This not only reinforced their technical skills but also fostered a deeper understanding of agricultural economics. The sessions were engaging, encouraging participants to apply new techniques to real data, a process that was met with enthusiasm and a strong desire for continued support.  

As the workshop concluded, the enthusiasm among participants was tangible—they had become not just trained statisticians but also guardians of their country's agricultural future. The strategy outlined over those eight days in October will steer Zimbabwe's agricultural statistics towards a horizon replete with data-informed decisions in line with the national vision and global standards.