Harvesting insights: Improving agricultural data quality for evidence-based policy in Mozambique

The widespread reliance on agriculture in developing countries necessitates efficient methods for collecting and processing reliable, timely agricultural data. This paper documents over 25 years of experience from national agricultural surveys and censuses in Mozambique, reviewing data collection procedures and outcomes since 1999/2000. It identifies key challenges in data collection, management, and analysis, and proposes solutions for improvement. Key lessons derived include: the critical role of pilot surveys in refining instruments; the continuous need to revise and upgrade questionnaires for clarity and programming; the importance of crop-specific conversion factors for accurate production estimates; leveraging historical data for improved comparability; strengthening data management protocols and server oversight; developing tailored survey weights for improved area estimation; and ensuring continuous data analyst involvement throughout the survey lifecycle. These practices collectively enhance methodological rigor, data quality, and the overall utility of agricultural statistics.