Survey Report Identifying Capacity Gaps and Relevant Data Sources for Target Groups/Institutions
Date
2026-05
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
FARA
Abstract
This report presents the outcomes of a comprehensive survey conducted under the StEPPFoS project to identify institutional capacity gaps and relevant data sources for target groups and institutions engaged in evidence-based policymaking for sustainable food systems in Africa. Developed as Deliverable D1.1 under Work Package 1 (WP1), the report synthesizes evidence intended to support consortium activities and strengthen institutional capacities across PANAP member countries.
The study reveals that while many institutions demonstrate strong commitment to staff development and policy engagement, significant gaps remain in formal capacity assessment systems, analytical skills, economic modelling expertise, and data accessibility. The report further reviews major national and international datasets, modelling tools, and analytical methodologies relevant to food and nutrition policy impact analysis in African contexts. Recommendations include strengthening formal capacity assessment mechanisms, expanding training in economic modelling and analytical tools, and integrating continuous capacity building into institutional programmes and projects.
Description
This deliverable report forms part of the StEPPFoS initiative funded under the European Union Horizon Europe Research and Innovation Programme (Grant Agreement No. 101136770). The publication documents findings from desk reviews, institutional surveys, and systematic assessments of data ecosystems supporting food systems and agricultural policy analysis in Africa.
Major themes covered include:
Institutional capacity assessment for evidence-based policymaking
Capacity-building initiatives among policy and non-policy institutions
Analytical and economic modelling capacities within PANAP member countries
Data accessibility, interoperability, and usability challenges
Review of national and international datasets relevant to food and nutrition systems
Application of ex-ante and ex-post policy impact analysis tools
Stakeholder engagement and policy coordination mechanisms
Recommendations for strengthening policy-oriented research systems in Africa
The report provides extensive analysis of datasets such as DHS, LSMS-ISA, FAOSTAT, ReSAKSS, DHIS2 Nutrition systems, World Development Indicators, and other policy-relevant repositories used in food systems modelling and evidence generation. It is intended for policymakers, researchers, development practitioners, regional organizations, and institutions involved in agricultural transformation and evidence-informed policy development across Africa.
Keywords
StEPPFoS, PANAP, Capacity gaps, Evidence-based policymaking, Food systems, Agricultural policy, Economic modelling, Data systems, Africa, Capacity development, Policy analysis, Food and nutrition security
Citation
Yeboah, E., Antwi, K., Quaye, W., Onumah, J., Mahama, A., Yalew, A. W., Diallo, S. S., & Urban-Boysen, K. (2026). Survey report identifying capacity gaps and relevant data sources for target groups/institutions (StEPPFoS Deliverable Report D1.1; FDN #54). StEPPFoS Consortium.