International Training on Monitoring Public Expenditure on Food and Agriculture: The MAFAP Method

Enhancing Public Expenditure Monitoring for Better Agricultural Policy and Investment Decisions

Course Background

Effective public spending in food and agriculture is crucial for achieving sustainable agricultural transformation, food security, and rural development. However, many governments face challenges in monitoring and analyzing public expenditure in ways that directly inform evidence-based policy decisions.

ECAS Institute, a leading think tank in sustainable development, climate governance, and agri-food systems, has designed this course to bridge the technical capacity gap in public expenditure tracking. The course utilizes the **Monitoring and Analysing Food and Agricultural Policies (MAFAP)** methodology developed by the FAO. This methodology helps effectively monitor, classify, and analyze public spending in agriculture, allowing policymakers to make informed decisions.

Course Objectives

Build technical capacity to monitor and analyze public agricultural expenditure using the MAFAP methodology.

Equip participants to identify underinvestment and optimize budget allocations in agriculture and food systems.

Strengthen data-driven decision-making to influence national agricultural policy and investment priorities.

Improve transparency and accountability in public spending related to food systems.

What You Will Learn

Understand the role of public expenditure monitoring in agricultural policy.

Apply best practices in collecting and organizing agricultural expenditure data.

Use the MAFAP methodology to conduct detailed public expenditure analysis.

Build and maintain an expenditure database tailored to your national or organizational context.

Interpret key public spending indicators to inform strategic policy and budget decisions.

Target Participants

This course is designed for professionals involved in agriculture and public finance, including:

Government Officials (economists, policy analysts, and researchers in ministries of agriculture, finance, or trade)

NGO Staff Engaged in Agriculture and Budget Advocacy

Policy Officers and Technical Advisors from FAO and Related International Organizations

University Students and Academics in Agricultural Economics or Public Policy

Researchers and Consultants in Development Finance and Policy Reform

Training Modules

No.ModuleDetails1Introduction to Policy Monitoring in AgricultureThis module introduces the concept of policy monitoring and its importance for agricultural performance.2MAFAP Public Expenditure Analysis – Theory and ConceptsOverview of the MAFAP framework and its relevance to public agricultural expenditure analysis.3MAFAP Public Expenditure Analysis MethodologyDetailed explanation of the MAFAP methodology for public expenditure analysis, including data coding and categorization.4Data Needs and SourcesLearn how to source and organize the data necessary for effective public expenditure analysis.5Collecting Public Expenditure DataPractical methods for gathering data from diverse sources and managing inconsistencies.6Classifying Public Expenditure DataHow to classify and organize expenditure data for meaningful analysis and comparison.7Building a MAFAP Public Expenditure DatabaseStep-by-step guidance on creating and maintaining a database for tracking public agricultural expenditure.8Interpreting Public Expenditure IndicatorsLearn how to interpret key expenditure indicators to inform policy and budget decisions.

Training Style

The course will be delivered through PowerPoint presentations, lectures, case studies, and field visits. Interactive discussions and breakout sessions will facilitate practical learning. Guest speakers, both in person and virtually, will provide valuable real-world insights on public expenditure monitoring.