FAO, NSA join forces to strengthen agricultural sector through data initiatives

WINDHOEK, July 22-- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA) have teamed up to strengthen Namibia's agriculture and fisheries sectors through data-driven initiatives, aiming to address existing data gaps in the agriculture sector.
   The collaboration will see the two organizations team up on two critical projects -- the development of the Strategic Plan for Agricultural and Rural Statistics (SPARS), and the creation of the Census for Agriculture project document.
   The SPARS project, which has a focus on evidence-based decision-making and policy formulation, aims to equip the agricultural sector with the necessary information to tackle pressing challenges such as food insecurity, climate change, and sustainable development, while the Census for Agriculture project aims to conduct a comprehensive assessment of Namibia's agricultural landscape through extensive data collection, providing valuable insights into agricultural practices, land usage, livestock, crop production, and related socioeconomic factors.
   In a statement, NSA Statistician General Alex Shimuafeni underscored the significance of statistical data in shaping Namibia's future while emphasizing the need for reliable, comprehensive, and up-to-date statistical data to effectively develop rural areas and the agriculture sector.
   By adopting a data-driven approach, SPARS seeks to foster sustainable agriculture, address agricultural challenges, and promote rural development and inclusivity, he said.
   Assistant FAO Representative Ferdinard Mwapopi emphasized the pivotal role of agricultural censuses in shaping agricultural development, policy formulation, and overall food security in Namibia.
   The upcoming Population and Housing Census is set to identify Namibian households involved in agriculture, paving the way for an expanded Agriculture Census.
   The data-driven initiatives, which are scheduled for the 2025/26 agricultural season, are expected to empower Namibia's agricultural sector and propel the nation toward a more sustainable and resilient future. 

Xinhua