Agricultural Statistics in Sub-Saharan Africa: Differences in Institutional Arrangements and their Impacts on Agricultural Statistics Systems. A Synthesis of Four Country Case Studies.

Abstract

A major push supporting improved data collection and analysis is required if African countries are to successfully design and implement results- based Poverty Reduction Strategy Programs (PRSP) and the Comprehensive Africa Agricultural Development Program (CAADP) being promoted by the New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD). Over the years there have been many initiatives to build statistical capacity in Africa. Many problems have plagued these efforts, including inadequate funding and the stop-go phenomenon. Recently the World Bank and development partners began a major new commitment to support Africa-wide improvements in statistical data through the Accelerated Data Program for Africa (ADP). It is hoped that this program will be more successful than previous programs by placing countries at the center of the program and building on the PRSP process. To improve the effectiveness of this effort the World Bank (WB ) Africa Region contracted with the Department of Agricultural Economics at Michigan State University (MSU) to carry out a desk study of the agricultural statistics programs in four countries: Mali, Zambia, Mozambique, and Rwanda. The objectives of the study are to: • draw on existing experience to review the institutional arrangements for the collection of agricultural statistics; • describe how information is collected and provided to meet macro and micro level policy requirements; and • identify ways to make the process more efficient and effective.