An evaluation of FAO’s contributions to knowledge on food and agriculture

Published in October 2015, this executive summary of the evaluation builds on past evaluation findings and takes into account the progressive implementation of the new institutional arrangements. It assesses the contributions of the wide array of FAO publications, databases, networks and learning resources relating to knowledge on food and agriculture, with a special focus on dissemination aspects. The evaluation reflects on the extent to which the FAO responds to its mandate to “collect, analyse, interpret and disseminate information relating to nutrition, food and agriculture”, covering publications, databases, networks and learning resources mostly issued in the period 2011-14. The evaluation provides a formative assessment of the contribution of FAO’s knowledge products and services towards the achievement of Member Countries’ (MCs) and the Organization’s development goals and strategic objectives. It is hoped that the assessment’s findings and recommendations will inform the development of the policies and plans underlying the new functional objectives on technical quality, knowledge and services (O6) and outreach (O8). The full report and annexes of this evaluation are available on the Office of Evaluation’s website. Below a list of the main findings, conclusions and recommendations:

Finding 1. FAO’s knowledge products and services are largely consistent with the Organization’s mandate. There is however limited involvement of users and potential partners at the design stage, especially from key target groups such as national governments. More consistent involvement of such users and partners would further enhance the relevance of FAO’s knowledge products and services. 

Finding 2. Most FAO knowledge products and services are frequently accessed and read, but some there is room to increase visibility and accessibility of some products, especially in terms of language coverage and online access. Furthermore, some knowledge products and services could benefit from greater user-friendliness. Finding 3. FAO’s knowledge products and services are widely recognized for their technical excellence. The Organization provides guidance and mechanisms to ensure the quality of technical content. . Overall, end-users and experts have a positive opinion of (and high expectations for) the quality of FAO databases and publications. This should serve as an incentive to both strengthen and consistently apply quality assurance mechanisms for all knowledge products and services. 

Finding 4. FAO’s knowledge products and services are produced in a decentralized manner, and generally operated within budgetary constraints. In particular, more could be devoted to dissemination activities, which limit outreach to potential new users. Although cooperation with external partners has helped boost resources, there could be greatercooperation between authoring and decentralized offices, between technical and communication experts, and among operators. Greater user-orientation as well as internal cooperation and coordination would enhance not only efficiency but also dissemination and 0utreach. 

Finding 5. Although there appear to be few duplications, knowledge gaps exist in some thematic areas, especially those addressing specialized topics. FAO data, analyses and learning resources are often disseminated through unrelated platforms and channels. 

Finding 6. The extent varies to which user-groups are effectively reached by, and make effective use of, FAO’s knowledge products and services. International organizations, national governments, research and academia benefit the most from FAO data and information. Country-level users, especially from developing regions with poorer internet connectivity and/or language coverage, face more problems accessing FAO data, analyses and resources, and demand context-relevant knowledge products and services. 

Finding 7. FAO knowledge products and services have contributed to enhancing technical knowledge and analyses, and strengthening the evidence base for policies and programmes. User feedback is not systematically collected, and the influence and results achieved by FAO knowledge products and services are rarely recorded, especially at organizational and policy levels. 

Conclusion 1. FAO produces a broad range of knowledge products and services, which largely respond to the Organization’s mandate and Member Countries’ requests. Several are widely recognized and appreciated, such as the statistical databases. Some however, could be even better tailored to the specific needs of their target audiences. Also, not enough is done to ensure users’ easiness of access to, awareness of and satisfaction with FAO’s knowledge products and services, or to document and capitalize on successful experiences. 

Conclusion 2. FAO data and information are used to improve the relevance of research and analyses, and to support evidence-based decision making in governments and international organizations. However, quality assurance procedures are applied inconsistently. 

Recommendation 1. FAO could pay greater attention to users’ and learners’ needs, as well as the potential for improving ease of use and expanding the resources’ influence to a broader audience. 

Recommendation 2: FAO should continueto strengthen the mechanisms and measures in place to ensure technical excellence of its knowledge products and services.