Assessment of Data Systems for Food and Agriculture related SDG Indicators in select States of India

Strategic Objective 2: Make agriculture, forestry and fisheries more productive and sustainable
Strategic Objective 4: Enable inclusive and efficient agricultural and food systems

Objectives: Enhanced national and state capacity for monitoring of SDGs related to food and agriculture using the national and state indicator framework aligned with the global indicator framework for the SDGs.

Description: In India, there is a need for strengthening capacity for collection of data required for reporting the indicators as well as methodological training on SDG indicators. Such capacity building is required at the national as well as at state levels for ensuring that the country can produce and report on all the SDG indicators within the next few years. Technical support is required for alignment of national statistical systems with global standards. Technical support is also required for developing data collection systems that are consistent with global standards as well as take into account specific challenges posed by the diversity of socio-economic conditions in a country as large as India. Use of modern technologies for collection, compilation and reporting of data.

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) of the Government of India constituted the six Sectoral Committees in July 2019 for monitoring SDGs in India. FAO Representation in India was requested by MoSPI as one of the members of the Sectoral Committee on “Poverty, Agriculture & Food Security”. The Sectoral Committee made specific recommendations to align the national indicators related to food and agriculture with the Global Indicator Framework for SDGs. Upon request from MoSPI, FAO-India undertook a detailed assessment of existing data sources and identified data gaps for measurement of different SDG indicators related to food and agriculture. Based on the technical gaps identified, MoSPI requested FAO support in two major areas related to food and agriculture. First, MoSPI has expressed an interest in further pilot testing of the instruments used for estimating Indicator 2.1.2 (Food Insecurity Experience Scale). Secondly, it has been found that, although India has well-developed systems of farm surveys, these do not collect data on all the variables that are required for reporting indicators such as 2.3.1, 2.3.2, 2.4.1 and 5.a.1.

This project enables selected states of India to implement and monitor additional SDG indicators under FAO custodianship and produce a how-to guide for other states in the country -– and other custodian agencies -- to understand how to undertake a similar innovative approach in supporting states to compile and publish SDG indicators. It is therefore necessary to establish a sound base in the select States so that quality data flow and any statistical enhancement can be achieved at National level.

Donor: FAO

Expected Outputs:

• Finalize sample design and survey methodology for pilot surveys on indicator 2.1.2 (Severity of food Insecurity) in two districts of two states, and 2.3.1 (Productivity of small-scale food producers) and 2.3.2 (income of small-scale food producer in two districts of one state.
• Enhance capacity of state/district official in the piloting state on the concept of indicators, their rationale, methodology of computation, explore existing data sources and the process of data collection and compilation help them to identify pathways for alignment of SIF with GIF. In addition, develop a pool of master trainers to collect and compile data for these indicators.