Strengthening biometry and statistics in agricultural research: study report

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Authors
Technical Centre for Agricultural and Rural Cooperation
Date
1998
Language
en
Type
News Item
Accessibility
Open Access
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Citation
CTA. 1998. Strengthening biometry and statistics in agricultural research: study report. Spore 76. CTA, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Permanent link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/10568/48164
Internet URL: http://spore.cta.int/images/stories/pdf/old/spore76.pdf
Abstract/Description
Strengthening biometry and statistics in agricultural research: study report CTA, 1998. ISBN 929081 1846, CTA number 856, 5 credit points.
Notes
The final conclusions and recommendations of the CTA project 'Strengthening Biometry and Statistics in Agricultural Research for the ACP Countries' are summarised in a new report from CTA. The study drew information from donors, national institutes and universities in developed and developing nations, professional societies, research managers, biometricians and scientists in order to obtain an appreciation of the use of biometrics in ACP countries and their influence on the quality of agricultural research. The first part of the report describes the status of biometrics in ACP countries, the limited and declining availability of professional biometricians, the outdated abilities of available biometricians and scientific researchers, the inappropriate levels of statistical computing and Internet facilities, and the shortage of biometry books. The lack of relevant national and international biometric training courses is discussed together with the way this is reflected in the low biometric standards seen in ACP scientific research publications. The second part presents requirements and recommendations aimed at reversing this perceived decline and builds upon the necessity for a focused, concerted effort by the many players involved. Governments and national institutions are urged to appreciate the need for long-term policies incorporating research quality, underpinned by professional biometric input--this is essential to precise recommendations for sustainable multidisciplinary agricultural development. Donors are encouraged to modify their activities in such a way as to incorporate professional, modern, computer-based biometric data into all their projects and training activities. The report concludes with an outline of possible further action to be considered by CTA, donors and national institutions. This publication will primarily interest research managers and decision makers. CTA, 1998. ISBN 929081 1846, CTA number 856, 5 credit points.
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