Around 1,800 households in Tuvalu are set to participate in the country’s inaugural National Crops and Livestock Census taking place in Funafuti, as well as in eight outer islands: Nanumea, Nanumaga, Niutao, Nui, Vaitupu, Nukufetau, Nukulealae, and Niulakita. This initiative aims to collect comprehensive data on all crops, livestock, and agricultural practices, supporting the Government of Tuvalu in making informed decisions regarding food security, farmer support, and agricultural policy formulation.
The census will also be instrumental in assessing Tuvalu’s progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Earlier this month, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) provided crucial technical and methodological support in collaboration with local authorities, including the Ministry of Natural Resources Development and the Central Statistics Division.
Guangzhou Qu, the FAO Subregional Coordinator for the Pacific Islands, emphasized that the census is not merely a count of farms and livestock but a foundational effort aimed at establishing reliable evidence to foster a more resilient agricultural sector in Tuvalu. “The training program seeks to equip field staff with essential knowledge and tools to ensure the quality of the census data,” he elaborated.
Qu encouraged participants to engage fully, expressing that their involvement would have lasting benefits for their families, communities, and the nation as a whole. “Everyone involved will become a part of history,” he stated.
A team of 40 enumerators will utilize tablets and GPS technology to collect data efficiently, especially in remote regions. The FAO’s assistance extends beyond training, encompassing the development of testing methods, preparation of questionnaires, and the overall processing and analysis of the collected data.
Through this comprehensive and collaborative approach, the census is poised to pave the way for a stronger agricultural framework, ultimately driving growth and sustainability for Tuvalu. The initiative not only highlights the importance of data in informing policy but also marks a significant step towards improving food security and supporting local farmers, leaving a hopeful outlook for the future of agriculture in Tuvalu.
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