The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is strengthening agricultural statistics across Africa to help governments make better-informed decisions on food security, agricultural development and sustainable agrifood systems. During the 2024–2025 biennium, the FAO Regional Office for Africa expanded its technical support across 47 countries, helping improve national data systems and build the evidence needed for effective policymaking and investment.

Reliable agricultural data plays a critical role in guiding national strategies, monitoring progress and supporting sustainable agricultural growth. Through agricultural censuses, national surveys, Food Balance Sheets, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) monitoring and statistical capacity-building programmes, FAO is helping countries generate accurate and timely information to support both national and regional development priorities.

As part of these efforts, FAO supported 24 African countries in conducting national agricultural surveys through the 50×2030 Initiative, improving the availability of high-quality agricultural data. Another 16 countries received support to prepare or implement national agricultural censuses, while 15 countries developed Food Balance Sheets to provide detailed information on food availability, dietary energy, proteins, fats and other nutritional indicators. In addition, 18 countries strengthened their monitoring and reporting of agriculture-related SDG indicators, alongside extensive training programmes designed to enhance national statistical capacity.

The initiative has contributed to stronger national statistical systems, improved data quality submitted to FAO’s global databases and enhanced collaboration with regional institutions, including the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Secretariat.

To meet growing demand for technical assistance, FAO has adopted a regional approach that combines shared expertise, mentoring and on-the-job training to build long-term statistical capacity. This strategy is enabling countries to strengthen their agricultural information systems while ensuring continued technical support.

Looking ahead, the FAO Regional Office for Africa aims to further establish itself as a regional centre of excellence for agricultural statistics and analytical work. By strengthening national capacity and placing reliable data at the centre of agricultural planning, FAO is supporting African countries to develop evidence-based policies, attract investment and accelerate the transformation of agrifood systems across the continent.