Workshop aims to streamline agri data processes
One of the challenges faced by Southern Africa is a lack of reliable and harmonised data on which national and regional agricultural policies rely.
The limited access or unavailability of reliable and quality information is a setback for policymakers who face difficulty in planning and implementing well-coordinated regional responses to threats that negatively impact productivity and trade in the region.
To address this, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) conducted a four-day Agricultural Information Management System (AIMS) workshop in Swakopmund, in collaboration wwith the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
These training initiatives are taking place under the EU-funded project 'Support Towards the Operationalisation of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy (STOSAR)'.
Benefit to Namibia
The FAO's Lesedi Modo said the organisation aligns itself with national priorities as well as existing coordination mechanisms.
She said that they would rather try to see where the synergy is and ensure efficient use of resources, both funds and human resources, for the benefit of Namibia.
Modo said the workshop marks a significant step towards not only familiarising participants with the AIMS platform but mastering it to ensure they contribute effectively to achieve "our goal of enhancing information on agricultural production, sustainability and competitiveness for evidence-based decision-making."
Boosting expertise
The workshop will dive into all modules of the SADC AIMS platform, she explained, "ensuring that each one of us, as focal persons, becomes proficient and confident in handling this crucial system."
Modo said they will then move onto the practical aspect of inputting data and information onto the SADC AIMS portal. This process is not just about feeding data into a system – it's about understanding the importance of accuracy, efficiency and, most importantly, data security, she added.
A significant part of the workshop will be dedicated to ensuring that the participants have a comprehensive understanding of and can effectively utilise the AIMS platform.
“Moreover, we will guide you in contributing effectively to the AIMS policy brief. It is essential that our communication, especially in the policy brief, is concise and relevant. The skills you gain here will help make your contributions impactful.”
Gerson Aileka, the chief development officer at the agriculture ministry, said the AIMS project is geared towards enhancing access to information for evidence-based decision-making.
He said the ministry subscribes to the principle of evidence-based policy formulation, monitoring and impact assessment, in line with the AIMS component.
In Namibia, a national AIMS committee is integrated into the structures of the strategic plan for agriculture and rural statistics.
The limited access or unavailability of reliable and quality information is a setback for policymakers who face difficulty in planning and implementing well-coordinated regional responses to threats that negatively impact productivity and trade in the region.
To address this, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) conducted a four-day Agricultural Information Management System (AIMS) workshop in Swakopmund, in collaboration wwith the Southern African Development Community (SADC).
These training initiatives are taking place under the EU-funded project 'Support Towards the Operationalisation of the SADC Regional Agricultural Policy (STOSAR)'.
Benefit to Namibia
The FAO's Lesedi Modo said the organisation aligns itself with national priorities as well as existing coordination mechanisms.
She said that they would rather try to see where the synergy is and ensure efficient use of resources, both funds and human resources, for the benefit of Namibia.
Modo said the workshop marks a significant step towards not only familiarising participants with the AIMS platform but mastering it to ensure they contribute effectively to achieve "our goal of enhancing information on agricultural production, sustainability and competitiveness for evidence-based decision-making."
Boosting expertise
The workshop will dive into all modules of the SADC AIMS platform, she explained, "ensuring that each one of us, as focal persons, becomes proficient and confident in handling this crucial system."
Modo said they will then move onto the practical aspect of inputting data and information onto the SADC AIMS portal. This process is not just about feeding data into a system – it's about understanding the importance of accuracy, efficiency and, most importantly, data security, she added.
A significant part of the workshop will be dedicated to ensuring that the participants have a comprehensive understanding of and can effectively utilise the AIMS platform.
“Moreover, we will guide you in contributing effectively to the AIMS policy brief. It is essential that our communication, especially in the policy brief, is concise and relevant. The skills you gain here will help make your contributions impactful.”
Gerson Aileka, the chief development officer at the agriculture ministry, said the AIMS project is geared towards enhancing access to information for evidence-based decision-making.
He said the ministry subscribes to the principle of evidence-based policy formulation, monitoring and impact assessment, in line with the AIMS component.
In Namibia, a national AIMS committee is integrated into the structures of the strategic plan for agriculture and rural statistics.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article