This paper conducts a political economy analysis to understand the factors that affect provision of and access to reliable agricultural statistics and data systems in Niger. A conceptual framework that identifies selected political economy aspects including political will, transparency and accountability, state capacity, and international commitments is developed. The predictions of the framework are tested using information collected through informal and formal interviews with professionals and staff of different institutions and organizations that provide or use agricultural statistics to analyze how different components of agricultural statistics and the underlying capacity and systems are differentially influenced by various political-economy factors. Implications for Niger and at the global level for developing an effective strategy to improve agricultural statistics and data (availability, quantity, and quality) that go beyond technological and methodological fixes are drawn.

Food versus Fuel presents a high-level introduction to the science and economics behind a well-worn debate, that will debunk myths and provide quality facts and figures for academics and practitioners in development studies, environment studies, and agricultural studies. Compiled by an internationally renowned scientist and authority, and to include perspectives from 'pro' and 'anti' biofuels experts and activists, from the North and South, the aim of this book is to bring a balanced approach to the current debate on the major issues affecting the development of biofuels in a concise and clear manner in order to provide an informed, nuanced but accessible introduction, grounded in science and economics rather than conjecture and controversy.

NOTE: NO FURTHER DISCOUNT FOR THIS PRINT PRODUCT-- OVERSTOCK SALE -- Significantly reduced list price Statistical information on acreage, production, stocks, prices, and income is essential for the smooth operation of Federal farm programs. It is also indispensable for planning and administering related Federal and State programs in such areas as consumer protection, conservation and environmental quality, trade, education, and recreation. Moreover, the regular updating of information helps to ensure an orderly flow of goods and services among agriculture's producing, processing, and marketing sectors. Reliable, timely, and detailed crop and livestock statistics help to maintain a stable economic climate and minimize the uncertainties and risks associated with the production, marketing, and distribution of commodities. Farmers and ranchers rely on NASS reports in making all sorts of production and marketing decisions. The reports help them decide on specific production plans, such as how much corn to plant, how many cattle to raise, and when to sell. NASS estimates and forecasts are greatly relied upon by the transportation sector, warehouse and storage companies, banks and other lending institutions, commodity traders, and food processors. Those in agribusiness who provide farmers with seeds, equipment, chemicals, and other goods and services study the reports when planning their marketing strategies. Analysts transform the statistics into projections of coming trends, interpretations of the trends' economic implications, and evaluations of alternative courses of action for producers, agribusinesses, and policy makers. These analyses multiply the usefulness of NASS statistics. The Agricultrual Statistics, 2009 edition is an annual publication that contains reliable information on agricultural production, supplies, consumption, facilities, costs, and returns. Its tables of annual data covering a wide variety of facts in forms suited to most common use. Related products: Agriculture & Farming resources collection can be found here: https: //bookstore.gpo.gov/catalog/science-technology/agriculture-farming "