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CORAF explores strategies to broaden the scope of agricultural data

Two days of intense work to discuss the results of the latest round of data collection for the Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI) program. This is the exercise that CORAF has been engaged in since Tuesday August 1st in Lomé. The aim of this large-scale workshop is to identify challenges and explore innovative strategies for expanding the provision of high-quality data and analysis on investments in national agricultural research systems (NARS) in West and Central Africa.

Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI)

Agricultural Science and Technology Indicators (ASTI) data are widely used by international organizations, regional bodies, governments and researchers to guide their policies and actions in favor of agriculture and food security.

In West and Central Africa, CORAF plays a key role in ASTI data collection, working closely with national agricultural research institutes and other regional partners. With the support of the CAADP-XP4 project, CORAF is strengthening the skills of national agricultural research institutes, particularly in the collection of data of national interest. To this end, CAADP-XP4 focal points and other representatives of national research institutions are being asked to contribute to ASTI data collection.

For Dr Emmanuel Njukwe, Director of Research and Innovation at CORAF, it is important to expand agricultural data and integrate it into the various national systems. " Quantitative data is essential to improve understanding of the crucial role of agricultural research in improving agricultural productivity in West and Central Africa. In each country, there are ministries of agriculture, and it is essential that they appropriate these data for more effective promotion and coherence of agricultural research initiatives", he said.

ASTI is an essential indicator for agricultural science and technology, and plays a crucial role in compiling national data to assess research conditions in each country. " ASTI data provides an analysis of the challenges and constraints in all countries around the world, and an analysis in terms of contribution, to facilitate research at national and international level," explained Dr Yao LOMBO, Director General of the Institut Togolais de Recherches Agronomiques (ITRA).

Data collection in its final phase

At present, the last round of data collection is in its final phase, and the results of this work will provide crucial information on recent developments in the inputs, performance and outcomes of agricultural research and development in West and Central Africa.

At the same time, a transition process is underway to transfer the management of ASTI from IFPRI to FAO. This transition aims to ensure the long-term sustainability and relevance of ASTI by expanding its geographic and data coverage, increasing the frequency of data collection cycles, and integrating it into FAO's Agri-Food Systems Technology and Innovation Outlook (ATIO) and FAOSTAT.

Through this workshop, CORAF is demonstrating its commitment to sustainable agricultural development in West and Central Africa by building on solid data and encouraging a collaborative and innovative approach to the future of agricultural research.