Methods and Standards

« Back to home

In response to a growing demand for high-quality and internationally-comparable statistics, FAO develops, implements and promotes methods and standards to guide national data producers in generating and using sound statistics. In particular, the Organization is committed to provide national statistical systems with internationally recognized definitions, concepts and classifications as well as methodological guidance for the production of high quality statistics related to food and agriculture.

This interface allows you to search for statistical classifications, guidelines and handbooks, technical reports, working papers and methodological documents, and capacity development resources. You can search by SUBJECT (general, agriculture, forestry, fishery and aquaculture, and natural resources) or use the ADVANCED SEARCH to search by keyword, country, language and lead authoring unit/office. Comments, suggestions and inquiries can be addressed to: [email protected].

Advanced search

You can access here all the statistical guidelines and handbooks, technical reports, working papers and methodological documents, and capacity development resources.

Type a keyword in the free text search box or refine your search by keyword, country, language and lead authoring unit/office. 

Comments, suggestions and inquiries can be addressed to: [email protected].

Productivity and efficiency measurement in agriculture - Literature review and gaps analysis

Abstract: This literature review and gaps analysis is undertaken in the context of the research line on the measurement of agricultural productivity and efficiency of the Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics. It seeks to define the different concepts and present the main measurement methods for agricultural productivity and efficiency.

Lead authoring unit/office: Statistics Division (ESS)

A literature review and key agri/environmental indicators

Abstract: The objective of the research topic “SUST-3, Data Collection Methods for Agri-environmental Indicators” is to provide a framework for agricultural sustainability indicators and related statistical definitions, and measurements tools covering the economic, social and environmental dimensions. This document was produced by the Global Strategy to improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARS).

Lead authoring unit/office: Statistics Division (ESS)

A review of literature related to master sampling frames for fisheries and aquaculture surveys

Abstract: Prepared by the Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARS), this technical report reviews the literature related to the monitoring of characteristics of fisheries and anglers. It begins with an overview of why monitoring several dimensions of a fishery is important for the development of effective management plans, and considers aspects that might have particular relevance for developing and emerging economies.

Lead authoring unit/office: Statistics Division (ESS)

A literature review on frameworks and methods for measuring and monitoring sustainable agriculture

Abstract: Prepared by the Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARS), this Literature Review shows that agricultural sustainability has been understood largely in its environmental dimensions, that it is affected by socio-economic and biophysical conditions, and that obstacles to sustainable agriculture are different in different countries.

Lead authoring unit/office: Statistics Division (ESS)

Literature review on reconciling data from agricultural censuses and surveys

Abstract: Prepared by the Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARS), this technical paper reviews the literature on the methodologies for reconciling data from agricultural censuses and surveys. The techniques that can be used for data reconciliation are described, and the main advantages and disadvantages of each are assessed. On the basis of the literature, for each relevant methodology, this paper formulates recommendations to be considered in the reconciliation of census and survey data. It also provides a gap analysis that documents and assesses the differences between the various methods.

Lead authoring unit/office: Statistics Division (ESS)

Improving methods for using existing land cover databases and classification methods. A literature review

Abstract: Prepared by the Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARS), this literature review presents the  main findings of bibliographic research on the application of remote sensing to agricultural and rural statistics.

Lead authoring unit/office: Statistics Division (ESS)

Literature review report and proposal for an international framework for farm typologies

Abstract: Prepared by the Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARS), this report contains a literature review of classifications and typologies developed in agriculture and a preliminary proposal for classification principles that can feed into the guidelines for establishing an international framework for farm typologies.

Lead authoring unit/office: Statistics Division (ESS)

Technical report on cost-effectiveness of remote sensing for agricultural statistics in developing and emerging economies

Abstract: Prepared by the Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARS), this Technical Report on Cost-Effectiveness of Remote Sensing for Agricultural Statistics in Developing and Emerging Economies carries out a cost-efficiency analysis on the use of remote sensing through a literature review and the analysis of case studies in a series of 31 developing and emerging countries.

Lead authoring unit/office: Statistics Division (ESS)

Improving methods for estimating livestock production and productivity. Literature review

Abstract: Timely and accurate data is critically important for the development of food security programs, agricultural development, poverty reduction policies, investment strategies and natural disaster responses. This literature review was prepared by the Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARS).

Lead authoring unit/office: Statistics Division (ESS)

Technical report on improving the use of GPS, GIS and remote sensing in setting up master sampling frames

Abstract: Prepared by the Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARS), this Technical Report on Improving the Use of GPS, GIS and Remote Sensing in Setting Up Master Sampling Frames is the result of a comprehensive literature review on the subject, followed by a gap analysis and a development of innovative methodological proposals for addressing the various issues that arise.

Lead authoring unit/office: Statistics Division (ESS)

1 2

Refine Search

By Keyword / Serial title