Methods and Standards

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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].

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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].

GEMI – Integrated monitoring initiative for SDG 6. Step-by-step monitoring methodology for indicator 6.4.2

Abstract: Through the UN-Water Integrated Monitoring Initiative for SDG 6 (IMI-SDG6), the United Nations seeks to support countries in monitoring water- and sanitation-related issues within the framework of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and in compiling country data to report on global progress towards SDG 6. This document serves as a step-by-step monitoring methodology for SDG Indicator 6.4.2 "Level of water stress: freshwater withdrawal as a proportion of available freshwater resources". The guidelines intend to assist countries in the assessment on water stress by contributing data on environmental flows (EF) which are necessary for the calculation of SDG 6.4.2, indicator on water stress. Assessing environmental flows improves water management by ensuring a sustainable water supply that meets the needs of people, agriculture, energy, industry and the environment within the limits of availability. Last updated: February 2019.

Lead authoring unit/office: Land and Water Division (NSL)

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Change in water-use efficiency over time (SDG indicator 6.4.1) - Analysis and interpretation of preliminary results in key regions and countries

Abstract: This publication, which is the second of a new series of water resources papers on SDG 6.4, is intended to provide suggestions for the interpretation of the indicator 6.4.1. In particular, it focuses on the concept of economic decoupling from water-use, and its application in policy making.  The evolution in water-use and water-use efficiency in four selected regions: Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa, is discussed. Particular attention is given to the evolution in water-use, water-use efficiency and related drivers in two groups of countries, including major developed economies and newly industrialized countries, and in different economic sectors. 

Lead authoring unit/office: Land and Water Division (NSL)

E-learning course | SDG indicators 15.1.1 and 15.2.1 - Forest area and sustainable forest management

Abstract: This course has been developed to guide countries in reporting on Indicators 15.1.1 and 15.2.1. It illustrates the rationale of the indicators, the definitions and methodologies on which monitoring activities are based, and explains the process and the tools available for compiling data related to the two indicators through the Global Forest Resources Assessment (FRA) Programme.

Lead authoring unit/office: FAO

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Global forest resources assessment 2020 terms and definitions

Abstract: This document contains a comprehensive list of terms and definitions as well as explanatory notes for FRA 2020 reporting variables.

Lead authoring unit/office: Forestry Division (NFO)

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Training course on Agricultural Integrated Survey (AGRIS) (Module 0/3) - Training material

Abstract: Prepared by the Global Strategy to improve agricultural and rural statistics (GSARS), this AGRIS training aims to provide enumerators with the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully collect high quality AGRIS data. This training plan covers the training essentials (timing, the training team, physical and technical requirements and ways to keep enumerators engaged), the components of training (elements common to all training sessions and those that vary depending on the AGRIS module(s) being presented), and the training schedule. 

Lead authoring unit/office: Statistics Division (ESS)

Training course on Agricultural Integrated Survey (AGRIS) (Module 1/3) - Introduction

Abstract: Prepared by the Global Strategy to improve agricultural and rural statistics (GSARS), this AGRIS training aims to provide enumerators with the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully collect high quality AGRIS data. At the end of this training unit, you will have: an introduction to your fellow enumerators and supervisor; the beginning of a network of resource people to support you during data collection; and an understanding of the importance of your role as an enumerator in ensuring the quality of the data collected.

Lead authoring unit/office: Statistics Division (ESS)

Training course on the Agricultural Integrated Survey (AGRIS) (Module 2/3) - Economy module

Abstract: Prepared by the Global Strategy to improve agricultural and rural statistics (GSARS), this AGRIS training aims to provide enumerators with the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully collect high quality AGRIS data. At the end of this training unit, you will have: knowledge of the Economy (ECO) Module questionnaire’s subject matter; practice in the administration of the ECO Module questionnaire; comprehension of the ECO Module survey methodology. You will also: reinforce your hands-on familiarity with the survey Computer assisted personal interview (CAPI) application for AGRIS; test the usability of the CAPI application for the Core module.

Lead authoring unit/office: Statistics Division (ESS)

Training course on the Agricultural Integrated Survey (AGRIS) (Module 3/3) - Core module

Abstract: Prepared by the Global Strategy to improve agricultural and rural statistics (GSARS), this AGRIS training aims to provide enumerators with the skills and knowledge necessary to successfully collect high quality AGRIS data. At the end of this training unit, you will have: knowledge of the Core Module questionnaire’s subject matter; practice in the administration of the Core Module questionnaire; comprehension of the Core Module survey methodology. You will also: reinforce your hands-on familiarity with the survey Computer assisted personal interview (CAPI) application for AGRIS; test the usability of the CAPI application for the Core module.  

Lead authoring unit/office: Statistics Division (ESS)

Guidelines on improving and using administrative data in agricultural statistics

Abstract: Developed by the Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARS), the ultimate goal of this document is to provide operational guidance to developing countries on how to set up an effective Administrative Data System for Agricultural Statistics (ADSAS), as well as on the improvement, use and integration of administrative data in the national statistical system. The concept of ADSAS refers to the set of all administrative institutions producing administrative agricultural data that may be used for the purposes of agricultural statistics and providing them to the national institution in charge of agricultural statistics for official use and publication.

Lead authoring unit/office: Statistics Division (ESS)

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AGRIS Handbook on the Agricultural Integrated Survey

Abstract: Developed by the Global Strategy to Improve Agricultural and Rural Statistics (GSARS), the AGRIS handbook presents the rationale of the system, focusing on the new needs and challenges in surveying farms in the 21st century. In this handbook, the link with SDGs is acknowledged, as the proposed AGRIS Generic Questionnaires will generate basic data for monitoring directly four SDG indicators and provide essential information for another 15 SDG indicators.

Lead authoring unit/office: Statistics Division (ESS)

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