The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Commission has successfully concluded a joint testing session for the ECOWAP web platform and the Electronic Biennial Report (eBR) web application. This initiative aims to enhance data transparency and food security in West Africa.
The five-day event took place from October 21 to 25, 2024, in Accra, Ghana. It brought together member states and regional experts to collaboratively test, validate, and refine the ECOWAP-eBR web application.
The goal is to improve data monitoring and communication for the ECOWAS Agricultural Policy and the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP). This enhancement seeks to increase efficiency, transparency, and accessibility for informed policy-making and tracking regional agricultural progress.
During the workshop, Ms. Fatmata L. SEIWOH, Program Officer for Monitoring and Evaluation of ECOWAP/CAADP, representing the Director of Agriculture and Rural Development, emphasized the importance of the ECOWAP-eBR system in promoting evidence-based decision-making and policy implementation. She highlighted its potential to boost agricultural data transparency, contributing to food security and economic growth while reaffirming the Commission's commitment to supporting member states.
Opening the workshop, Mr. Faisal MUNKAILA from Ghana's Ministry of Food and Agriculture welcomed participants on behalf of the Permanent Secretary. He underscored Ghana's dedication to agricultural transformation and regional cooperation.
Experts from member states received practical guidance on using interoperable systems. They participated in guided data entry exercises using historical data from their countries, showcasing key features of the web application while discussing CAADP and ECOWAP indicators. These exercises aimed at developing proficiency in using the system to equip the region with a seamless tool for transmitting country data through regional systems to continental systems while identifying areas for improvement.
By week's end, a summary of test results, system improvements, and critical recommendations was recorded to ensure system efficiency. As preparations begin for the fifth round of biennial reports on agricultural growth and transformation in 2025, ECOWAS member states are assured of a seamless system.
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