The United Nations has adopted new global guidelines developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to strengthen agricultural data collection under the World Programme for the Census of Agriculture (WCA) 2030, marking a major step toward improving global farm statistics and evidence-based policymaking.
Approved by the UN Statistical Commission, the updated framework will guide countries in conducting agricultural censuses during the 2026–2035 period, forming a key part of a global drive to close major gaps in agricultural data by 2030.
The WCA 2030 programme sets international standards for collecting comparable and reliable information on farm structures, land use, livestock, labour, and production systems. Such data are crucial for designing policies related to food security, climate resilience, and rural development. According to FAO, better data will help governments understand who farms, how agriculture is changing, and where support is most needed.
The new guidelines introduce updated concepts and methods reflecting modern agricultural realities, including diversified farming systems, aquaculture activities, and the growing role of women farmers. They also encourage the use of innovative technologies and integrated data systems to improve the accuracy, timeliness, and comparability of agricultural statistics across countries.
Also Read: Gobbled up by Agriculture
Under the programme, countries are recommended to conduct a comprehensive agricultural census at least once every ten years, complemented by regular surveys to track rapidly changing factors such as farm income, labour, production methods, and machinery use.
FAO will support governments with technical assistance, training programmes, and methodological guidance to ensure effective implementation. The initiative is expected to strengthen national statistical systems and help policymakers make informed decisions to achieve global food security goals, including the UN’s Zero Hunger target by 2030.
Experts say the adoption of WCA 2030 marks a milestone in global agricultural statistics, providing countries with the tools needed to track structural changes in agriculture and develop more targeted and sustainable farming policies.
Also Read : news
