USAID gives Ghana’s Agriculture Ministry equipment for data collection

In June this year, the Minister of Agriculture, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru complained about the lack of data in the agriculture sector.

He indicated, according to a GNA report that the Ministry cannot depend on some of its present database for planning and operational purposes because the data is not current.

According to him, the last time the ministry carried out an agricultural census in the country was almost four decades ago.

It is therefore a great source of relief as the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), presents some ICT equipment to the Ministry to help it collect the data it needs for decision-making.

In a press release issued in Accra, September 8, 2016 and copied to ghanabusinessnews.com, the USAID says it has presented tablets and other information technology (IT) equipment to the Statistics, Research and Information Directorate (SRID) of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture (MoFA).

“The electronic equipment and software were donated to enhance the collection of agricultural statistics. The IT equipment and data collection system will minimize human error in agriculture data collection and analysis, as well as improve overall data quality and credibility,” the release said.

According to the release, among the equipment donated were 3G tablets fitted with global positioning system (GPS), which will help SRID produce credible data and information to support appropriate and effective policy analysis, decision-making and planning.

Andrew Karas, USAID Mission Director, handed over the equipment to the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Alhaji Mohammed Muniru Limuna.

By Emmanuel K. Dogbevi