Data and information are the raw materials of economic analysis. They lend substance to description. Properly ordered, they reveal problems and solutions to problems. Lack of accurate and reliable data in many developing countries has hampered planning, monitoring and impact assessment of development programs to promote evidence-based policy making. Lack of commitment by national governments, low capacities to collect, manage, analyze and store data, and financial constraints are often cited as the reasons for the absence of reliable data systems. Improving the collection and dissemination of agricultural data is a necessary step to enhance effectiveness of policies and investments in agriculture.
GSSP, in conjuction with the Statistics, Research and Information Directorate (SRID) of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food (MoFA) held a one-day forum to reflect on agriculture data information systems in Ghana with specific emphasis given to the improved version of MRCALS -The Multi-Round Annual Crop and Livestock Survey. Participants included the Minister, Hon. Kofi Humado, the Deputy Minister, Hon. Yakubu Ahmed Alhassan (Dr) and the Cheif Director of MoFA, Mr. Abisa-Seidu along with representatives from the Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development , USAID, IFAD, GIZ, AGRA, WFP, ISSER, IFDC, amongst many others.
Several media houses were also present at the event -- links to their articles are as follows:
http://www.spyghana.com/ghana-plans-20m-agricultural-census-in-2015/
http://www.ghanabusinessnews.com/2014/01/25/fao-to-support-ghana-conduct-agric-census-in-2016/
http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/business/artikel.php?ID=298986