The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has concluded a significant event aimed at enhancing agricultural data transparency and food security in the region. The ECOWAS Agriculture Policy (ECOWAP) web platform and Continental electronic Biennial Report (eBR) Web Application Joint Testing Session took place over five days, from October 21 to 25, 2024, in Accra, Ghana.
This event brought together Member States and regional experts to collaboratively test, validate, and refine the ECOWAP-eBR web application. The workshop's objective was to ensure the system's functionality, improve participants' ability to use the platform effectively, and gather feedback for further enhancement.
The initiative aims to improve data monitoring and reporting for ECOWAS Agricultural Policy and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). This is expected to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accessibility for informed policy-making and regional agrarian progress tracking.
Mrs. Fatmata L. Seiwoh, Programme Officer of ECOWAP/CAADP Monitoring and Evaluation who represented the Director of Agriculture and Rural Development during the workshop, underscored the importance of this system in promoting evidence-based decision-making. She emphasized its potential in enhancing agricultural data transparency which contributes to food security and economic growth. "The Commission is committed to supporting Member States," she stated.
Mr. Faisal Munkaila from the Ghana Ministry of Food and Agriculture opened the workshop by welcoming participants on behalf of the Permanent Secretary. He highlighted Ghana's commitment to agricultural transformation and regional cooperation.
Throughout the event, Member State experts engaged in hands-on guidance sessions using historical data from their countries. They demonstrated key features of the web application while discussing CAADP and ECOWAP indicators. These exercises were designed to build proficiency in using the system for seamless data transmission from national to continental levels.
By week's end, results from testing were summarized alongside system enhancements and critical recommendations aimed at ensuring efficiency. This preparation aligns with upcoming Biennial reporting on agricultural growth set for 2025 where ECOWAS Member States are promised a seamless experience.
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