Chapter 8:
Zambia's Agricultural Data System:
A Review of the Agricultural Time Series Data
by
John Litschauer and John S. Rowe'
Although policymakers and other leaders recognize the need for highly accurate and reliable
data in order to make sound agricultural development decisions, they do not always give high priority
to providing the resources necessary to collect and publish such data. This chapter focuses on the
importance of sustaining and improving Zambia's agricultural data system. After presenting a brief
summary of four criteria to be used in evaluating an agricultural data system, the two main sources
of agricultural data in Zambia are reviewed. In the final section, some suggestions are offered on ways
the system might be improved.
It is extremely difficult to initiate and maintain an agricultural data system. High-quality
agricultural data are particularly difficult to collect due to the extensive nature of farming areas and
the seasonality of production. Maintaining a data series requires sustained dedication by the data
collection staff and continued commitment from government. It is with considerable appreciation for
the time and energy put into the Zambian agricultural data system that the following comments are
made. The data managers and their staff should be recognized for their sustained efforts in producing
data series that span years of erratic climatic conditions and rapidly changing economic times.
I. Criteria for evaluating an agricultural data system
The continued production of accurate agricultural estimates needed to build meaningful time
series requires the cooperation of many actors in a government setting. Cost-effectiveness, efficiency,
accuracy, and timeliness are necessary qualities and criteria for judging the outcome of these
interactions.
A. Cost-effectiveness
A data system should be of the proper size and cost for the country. Leaders must recognize
the necessity of having high-quality information available for decision-making and they must be willing
to allocate the necessary resources. It is important that data managers and policymakers enter into a
dialogue that defines the essential data needs for the country. Only data necessary to meet specific
information requirements should be collected and summarized. An open door to information requests
allows the data-collection and data-handling resources to become overburdened. Data systems should
be "demand-driven," with only amply justified data being collected. Policymakers and data managers
must work together as gatekeepers in deciding on the cost-effectiveness of the number of surveys and
the amount of data collected from each survey.
' Mr. Litschauer is a consultant for the Land Tenure Center; Mr. Rowe is a research associate with the office of
International Agricultural Programs.