2.1. Globally available data – from country-led collection to the AQUASTAT database

2. How to monitor water stress

2.1. Globally available data – from country-led collection to the AQUASTAT database

Data for this indicator are usually collected by national ministries and institutions that have water-related issues as part of their mandate, such as national statistical offices and ministries of water resources, agriculture or environment. The data collected is then shared with AQUASTAT, FAO's global information system on water and agriculture. AQUASTAT’s data-collection method has evolved since 2018 to align with the principles of data-gathering promoted through the SDGs, to follow countryled (and the countries’ own) processes.

In this regard, AQUASTAT has established a network of national correspondents to improve country participation and the ownership of data. Every year, AQUASTAT sends a questionnaire (see annex II. questionnaire template) to a network of national correspondents which includes the variables needed for the calculation of SDG 6.4.2. National correspondents have the key role of ensuring data quality and the coordination of data collection at country level. Having national coordination in place will assure the timely and consistent collection of the data on a regular basis. Once countries submit the data, there is a validation process by AQUASTAT to ensure the quality and consistency of these data. This process includes a constant dialogue with national correspondents (Box 3).

Sanaa, Yemen by Soliman Ahmed ©FAO