Evaluation of the project "Global Strategy for Agricultural and Rural Statistics – Phase II"
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The Global Strategy for Agricultural and Rural Statistics Phase II (GSARS II), implemented from 2020 to 2024, marked the midpoint of a 15-year programme to strengthen agricultural statistical capacity in low- and middle-income countries in Africa. A flagship project financed by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation supported 17 African countries through strategic planning, modular training, cost-effective survey methodologies, and improved data analysis and dissemination. A theory-based evaluation conducted by the FAO Office of Evaluation found the GSARS II–Gates project to be largely relevant and responsive to country needs. Stakeholders highly valued its participatory design and high-quality technical know-how, such as practical survey tools. The Master’s programme in Agricultural Statistics contributed to expanding the pool of women and young professionals, while efforts to build synergies with the 50x2030 Initiative were seen as a positive step towards enhancing the sustainability of capacity development. While GSARS II achieved notable technical capacity gains, the institutionalization of these gains remained uneven, constrained by limited financing and variable leadership engagement. The evaluation highlights the need for stronger system-level integration, enhanced leadership and governance at the country level, and sustained efforts to ensure long-term sustainability.