United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)

http://www.un.org/Depts/eca/

BRIEF DESCRIPTIONS OF AND LINKS TO INFORMATION ACTIVITIES:

Data Collection, Observation, Monitoring

Data is collected by field survey and istribution of country questionnaires. Information source is from governments.
All aspects of Agenda 21 are covered by the data. The data collection is coordinated via correspondence.

Methodologies, Quality Control, Harmonization
Development of indicators for monitoring and evaluating progress made towards attaining food security, lowering population growth rates and better management of the environment.

Assessment and Analysis
 Level of the integration of environmental dimensions in development planning in the context of African strategies, especially on food security, population growth rates, and environmental management.  Assessment of the implementation of the plans/programmes of action of  international conferences: Agenda 21, Habitat II, World Food Summit, International Conference on Population and Development, etc. other organisations are coordinated with in all aspects of Agenda 21.
The data is gathered from responses to secretariat documents at meetings of legislative organs.

Indicators

Modelling

Expert Systems/Decision-support systems

Early Warning Mechanisms

Reports/Information dissemination

Dissemination is via distribution of documents at meetings or to countries.  Web site under development.
The information is used by Governments, NGOs and Institutions. There is a meta-information inventory, and the information possessed is promoted using seminars and workshops.

Information is provided to decision makers by situation reports at meetings.

Network Development and Support
Climate network of AMCEN, but no interaction with other networks.

Capacity-Building
Proposals are being submitted for support.

Internet Access

 http://www.un.org/Depts/eca/

Responsible Office/Person (for inquiries or follow-up):
Prof. Paulina Makinwa-Adebusoye
 Earthwatch focal point
 Director
 Food Security and Sustainable Development Division
 Economic Commission for Africa (ECA)
 P.O. Box 3001
 Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
 Tel: +251 1 51 7700
 Fax: +251 1 51 44 16

Date of preparation:24 February 1998, updated April 1999

ORGANIZATION:United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA)