DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

A six-member technical assistance team, contracted from a U.S. firm, will visit Eqypt semi-annually for 3- to 6- week periods to assist personnel from the Statistical Research Division of MOA"s Agricultural Economics Research Institute with the design, collection, and handling of new data. This team will also offer formal training to 35 MOA members in statistics, advanced U.S. training in ADP systems and census/agricultural statistics. In addition, a mini-computer and data retrieval system will be set up. Short-term technical assistance teams from the U.S. Department of Agriculture will conduct research studies on specific MOA problem areas, identified by a small senior MOA advisory policy group. Technical assistance teams will also research and disseminate policy and planning papers, throughout the life of the project, on such issues as price policy, investment levels in the farmimg sector, food security, and reducing the government"s role in agriculture. Training will be given to six agriculture policy researchers and analysts. Additional shorter-term training in policy analysis techniques will be offered to 15 individuals. Local consultants will also help in policy analysis and research studies.