Methodology and Quality Update

Latest Update on Methodology and Quality

20/05/2026

Statistical Presentation

Data description

The Agricultural Census provides updated and comprehensive data on agricultural production, including both plant and animal production, in addition to fisheries data at the level of administrative regions in Saudi Arabia.
The report also provides data on the aquaculture sector, fish production quantities, and marine catch by type (traditional and industrial), as well as the distribution of catch quantities along the coasts of the Arabian Gulf and the Red Sea, in addition to data on fishing vessels. In addition, the report includes total quantities and values of agricultural and fisheries imports and exports, as well as the value of loans granted to the agricultural sector at the level of administrative regions, along with a set of key agricultural indicators and data in Saudi Arabia.
The data were collected on the main characteristics as follows:
•    Cultivated area of grains, fodder, and open-field vegetables.
•    Cultivated area, number of greenhouses, and quantity of protected vegetable production.
•    Cultivated area and production quantity of cut flowers.
•    Number of permanent trees and palm trees.
•    Area and production of organic agriculture.
•    Livestock including sheep, goats, cattle, and camels.
•    Number of organic livestock (sheep, goats, cattle, camels, and beehives).
•    Specialized cattle projects by type: dairy farms, calf fattening farms, or combined dairy and calf fattening farms.
•    Number of cattle barns, their area, capacity, and quantity of raw milk produced.
•    Number of Milking females in the projects.
•    Number of fattening calves in the projects.
•    Commodity production requirements such as feed, veterinary medicines, and disinfectants.
•    Number of specialized broiler chicken projects, number of barns, their area, and capacity.
•    Number of chickens produced.
•    Chicks used in production.
•    Specialized laying hen, parent stock, grandparent stock farms, and hatcheries.
•    Number of barns, their area, and capacity in specialized layer, parent stock, grandparent stock farms, and hatcheries.
•    Table eggs produced in specialized layer, parent stock, grandparent stock farms, and hatcheries.
•    Chicks produced in specialized hatcheries.
•    Number of specialized and traditional aquaculture projects.
•    Number and size of the ponds. 
•    Production of fish.
•    Fingerlings used in production.
•    Amount of catches in the Red Sea.
•    Amount of catches in the Arabian Gulf.
•    Development loans to the agricultural sector.
•    Value of agricultural exports and imports.
•    Credit granted by banks and finance companies.
The data is also used to estimate the following:
•    Production quantity, sold production, and its value for field crops (cereals and fodder), open-field vegetables, and cut flowers.
•    Sold production and its value for greenhouse vegetable crops, by crop type.
•    Production quantities of palm trees, production sold and value by variety.
•    Production quantities of permanent trees (excluding palm trees), production sold and value by type.

Classifications

The following classifications are applied in the Agricultural Census.
The National Classification for Economic Activities (ISIC4):
It is a statistical classification based on the International Standard Industrial Classification of All Economic Activities (ISIC4), used to describe the productive activities of an establishment.
The National Classification for Economic Activities (ISIC4(
The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (H.S.2017): 
Merchandise exports and imports statistics are classified according to the system issued by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is a nomenclature for describing and coding goods that includes subheadings and their numerical codes, as well as sections and chapters, in accordance with the International Convention on the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS), signed in Brussels.
The classification is used in the Agricultural Census to classify exports and imports of agricultural products.
The Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (H.S.2022)
Central Product Classification (CPC 2.1):
It is a coherent product classification covering both goods and services, issued by the United Nations Statistical Commission, and based on a set of internationally agreed concepts, definitions, principles, and classification rules. This classification serves as an international standard for compiling and categorizing all types of data that require product-level detail. It also provides a comprehensive framework for collecting and presenting product data in a manner that enables economic analysis, supporting decision-making and policy development at both the national and international levels. 
Central Product Classification (CPC). Version 2.1
The classifications are available on the GASTAT website:  www.stats.gov.sa

Statistical concepts and definitions

Terms and concepts for the Agricultural Census:
•    Holding:
An agricultural holding is an economic unit of agricultural production, covering both crop and livestock activities, under single management. It comprises all livestock kept and all land used wholly or partly for agricultural production purposes, regardless of ownership, legal form, or size. The holding may be managed by a single individual or by a household, and it may also be jointly managed by two or more individuals or households. Management may be undertaken by a legal entity such as a corporation, cooperative, government agency, or other. The land of the holding may consist of one or more parcels under a single name, provided that all parcels share the same means of production, such as labor, agricultural machinery, and equipment. This association must be sufficiently clear to be considered a single economic unit.
•    Holding type:
The holding type is classified into one of the following two forms:
-    Traditional (unregulated):
It is the most common type of agricultural holding in Saudi Arabia. Traditional holdings do not require prior approval or licensing from the relevant authorities, and their production activities may be crop production, livestock production, or both (mixed).
-    Specialized (regulated):
This type of holding includes holdings (projects) that have obtained approval and licenses from the relevant authorities after submitting technical and economic studies for their establishment. These holdings may specialize in crop, livestock, poultry, or aquaculture production, or may primarily adopt modern, non-traditional methods such as advanced irrigation systems, agricultural mechanization, and modern technology in agricultural production. They may also specialize in specific activities, such as open-field or protected agriculture, dairy cattle farming, or fattening calves, sheep, and poultry.
•    Main activity of the holding:
The main activity of a holding is the predominant activity actually carried out by the holding and consistent with its economic returns, such that it represents more than 50% of the holding’s annual income.
For the Agricultural Census and surveys, the main activity of the holding is classified into five sections as follows:
-    Crop holding:
A holding in which crop production represents more than 50% of the holding’s annual income during an agricultural year, based on various types of permanent and temporary crops, including summer and winter crops.
-    Livestock holding:
A holding in which livestock production represents more than 50% of the holding’s annual income during an agricultural year, based on various types of livestock raised on the holding (such as sheep, goats, camels, and cattle), as well as beehives.
-   Poultry holding:
A holding in which the poultry production activity represents more than 50% of its annual income during an agricultural year, depending on various types of poultry (broiler chicken, laying chicken, parent chicken, grandparent chicken, household poultry, other birds such as ostrich, duck, goose, or quail). Rabbits are also considered poultry.
-    Aquaculture holding:
A holding in which aquaculture production represents more than 50% of the holding’s annual income during an agricultural year, based on aquaculture activities in inland waters, such as farms specialized in the production of fish or shrimp.
-    Mixed holding:
When the activity at the holding is mixed and none of its components represent more than 50% of the holding’s annual income during an agricultural year, provided that the holding practices three or more different activities from the following: crop production, livestock production, poultry production, or aquaculture, with each activity representing less than 50% of the holding’s annual income.
•    Agricultural year:
-    For the Agricultural Census and surveys, the agricultural year for crop production starts on 1 March and ends on 28 February of the following year.
-    For livestock and poultry, 31 December is the reference date for enumerating the number of different types of animals and poultry in the holding.

•    Harvested area:
The area from which the crop production has actually been harvested. In cases where temporary crops are cultivated more than once on the same land during the agricultural year, as in successive cropping systems, the area is counted as many times as the crop is cultivated to derive the harvested area of that crop.
•    Open-field agriculture:
It is the lands directly cultivated with various crops, with no barrier between them and various weather conditions.
•    Protected agriculture:
Land covered with protective structures made of glass, plastic, or other materials to protect plants from external conditions such as light, temperature, air, and relative humidity, and to provide a suitable environment for the growth of various plant varieties throughout the year. This method is commonly used for cultivating vegetables and cut flowers under protected conditions.
Greenhouses have several types:
-    Regular plastic greenhouses:
Greenhouses covered with polyethylene or similar materials that do not last for more than one year. They are the most common type of greenhouse. This type includes double-layer polyethylene greenhouses, which are covered with two layers of polyethylene separated by an air layer.
-    Air-conditioned plastic greenhouses:
Greenhouses similar to regular plastic greenhouses but equipped with artificial air-conditioning systems.
-    Glass greenhouses:
Greenhouses covered with glass, characterized by high light transmittance (88%) and a longer lifespan compared to other types of greenhouse coverings.
-    Fiberglass-reinforced greenhouses:
Greenhouses covered with fiberglass-reinforced panels made of plastic, glass fibers, and a binding material. This type is more resistant to impact than glass greenhouses and has a longer lifespan than plastic greenhouses.
-    Other:
Greenhouses made from other materials.

•    Agricultural production:
Agricultural production is a type of production that consists of both crop and livestock products derived from agricultural holdings. It includes the quantities of crops produced from grains and fodder crops; vegetables cultivated in open-field or protected conditions; cut flowers; and fruits (including dates). It also includes the numbers of sheep, goats, cattle, and camels; the number of broiler chickens; total table eggs; fish production quantities; as well as the quantity of honey, ostrich meat and eggs, and the quantity of meat and number of eggs of quail and pigeons, and rabbit meat.
•    Agricultural products:
A set of products consisting of crops grown on agricultural land and harvested for use as food, feed, oil, fiber, sugar, or other materials, including medicinal uses, as well as products derived from livestock, such as animals and birds raised on farms.
•    Organic agriculture:
A holistic agricultural production management system that promotes and enhances the health of agro-ecosystems, including biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. It emphasizes the use of management practices rather than non-agricultural inputs, while taking regional conditions into account, which require systems adapted to local conditions. This is achieved through the use of agricultural, biological, and mechanical methods instead of synthetic materials such as chemical fertilizers, pesticides, veterinary drugs, genetically modified seeds and breeds, preservatives, and additives.
•    Type of specialized agricultural project:
For agricultural surveys, specialized projects have been divided into 9 types as follows:
-    Specialized cattle farms:
Farms (projects) dedicated to raising cattle for commercial purposes, whether for dairy production or calf fattening. They include facilities such as stalls, housing barns, milking parlors, refrigerated rooms or cooling tanks, feed storage facilities, etc.
-    Broiler Farms:
Farms (projects) dedicated to raising chickens for meat production, where breeds with a high feed conversion efficiency are used to convert feed into meat.

-    Layer chicken farms:
Farms (projects) dedicated to egg production, where breeds with high feed conversion efficiency are used to convert feed into eggs.
-    Broiler parent stock farms:
Farms (projects) dedicated to the production of hatching eggs used for producing broiler chickens.
-    Layer parent stock farms:
They are farms (projects) dedicated to the production of hatching eggs that are used for the production of laying hens.
-    Broiler grandparent stock farms:
Farms (projects) dedicated to the production of hatching eggs used for producing broiler parent stock.
-    Layer grandparent stock farms:
Farms (projects) dedicated to the production of hatching eggs used for producing layer parent stock.
-    Hatchery farms:
Farms dedicated to producing various types of chicks, including broiler, layer, and parent stock chicks, using hatching eggs produced on the farm, sourced from local farms, or imported from abroad.
-    Inland and marine aquaculture farms:
Farms (projects) dedicated to fish production, comprising ponds or small water bodies used for fish farming within the holding, whether using freshwater or seawater, and whether for breeding or fish production purposes.
-    Other specialized farms (projects):
Farms (projects) dedicated to activities not covered above, such as those specialized in crop production of any type, or in the production of camels, sheep, goats, ostriches, pigeons, rabbits, or quail, with the type of farm to be specified.
•    Livestock: 
Livestock has several types, which are as follows:
-    sheeps:
They are animals that have wool covering their bodies and includes the following breeds: (Najdi sheep, Naeimi sheep, and Harri sheep), in addition to other breeds.
-    Goats: 
They are animals whose body is covered with hair and includes the following breeds: (Local goats, foreign goats, and hybrid goats).
-    Camels:
Camels include the following breeds: (Local camels, foreign camels, and hybrid camels).
-    Cows:
Cows include the following breeds: (local cows, foreign cows, and hybrid cows).
•    Milking females:
Female livestock (sheep, goats, cattle, or camels) that have reached sexual maturity and are capable of breeding, giving birth, and producing milk.
•    Draught, riding, and other animals:
Animals used for work in the holding, such as for riding or for pulling carts and plowing, include donkeys, mules, and horses, among others. etc.
Note: Pets such as dogs and cats are not considered draught, riding, or other animals, and their data are not collected in the questionnaires.
•    Domestic poultry in traditional holdings:
Includes all poultry and birds in holdings not specialized in poultry production such as chickens, pigeons, ducks, quails, rabbits ... etc.
•    Raw milk:
It is a liquid nutrient excreted from female dairy animals (sheep, goat, cows, and camels), and milk is the main component of dairy products such as curd, yogurt, cream, cheese, butter, dried milk, etc.
•    Farm capacity:
The maximum number of birds or animals that can be accommodated and raised on the farm on any given day during the survey year.
•    Barns:
Structures designated for raising animals or poultry, which may include various types of purpose-built buildings.
•    Poultry production cycles during the year:
The number of production cycles during the survey year, each extending from the start of raising day-old chicks to the end of marketing the produced poultry to points of sale.
•    Organic fertilizer:
Natural fertilizer (manure) produced from livestock or poultry during rearing, used to fertilize agricultural land as a nutrient source for plants and as an alternative to chemical fertilizers due to its high nitrogen content.
•    Table eggs:
Eggs intended for human consumption, produced by layer chicken farms.
•    Hatching eggs (fertilized):
Fertilized eggs produced by parent stock and grandparent stock farms, used in hatcheries to produce chicks for broiler, layer, and parent stock farms. 
•    Fisheries:
According to fishing regulations related to licensing, marine fisheries are classified into two types: industrial fisheries and traditional fisheries.
•    Industrial fisheries:
Fisheries that use modern fishing vessels exceeding nine meters in length, equipped with advanced equipment such as fish finders, electronic navigation devices, communication systems, winches, and highly efficient fishing gear.
•    Traditional fisheries:
Fisheries that use traditional fishing vessels ranging from 5 to 20 meters in length, without the use of modern navigation and electronic equipment mentioned above, except for the use of winches and fishing nets.
•    Catch:
Catch refers to the product harvested through fishing and includes all landings of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and shellfish, as well as any captured animals or plants. Discards are excluded. Catch is measured based on live weight in kilograms or metric tons; therefore, any landed catch in processed forms, such as eviscerated or degilled fish, or in any other form, must be converted to its live weight equivalent. As catch data is often collected through visual observation of the number of fish, containers, or nets, the weight is estimated by multiplying the observed number by the average weight of a fish, container, or net, based on prior survey results for these species.
•    Agricultural loans:
These are loans provided to finance agricultural activities for the purpose of growing all kinds of crops, fruit orchards, apiaries, fishing boats, tourism loans, veterinary clinics and pharmacies, and refrigerated containers for preserving and transporting vegetables.
•    Agricultural exports:
According to foreign trade statistics standards, 'agricultural exports' refer to all agricultural goods (crops and livestock) that are entirely produced or manufactured locally or that undergo a processing operation that alters their form or value for export outside the Kingdom.
•    Value of agricultural exports:
The value of exported goods is determined by the value of the agricultural products, including other costs up to delivery on board the shipping vehicle, or it includes the value of the goods along with all expenses up to the export office.
•    Agricultural imports:
According to the Foreign Trade Statistics standards, it is all agricultural goods and commodities (agricultural crops and livestock) entering the country to cover local needs and under all customs procedures in place to complete the import of a commodity.
•    Value of agricultural imports:
The value of agricultural imports is defined as the cost of the imported product plus the costs of shipping, insurance, transportation, and other expenses incurred up to the delivery of the goods to the unloading quay at the port of entry.

•    kilogram:
The base unit of mass. 
•    Ton:
A unit of measurement equal to 1,000 kilograms, primarily used as a unit of mass, and in some contexts also used as a unit of volume. 

Data sources

Agricultural statistics data are based on two sources:
First source: Agricultural Census of Agricultural Holdings 2023.
The key variables disseminated for the Agricultural Census data are:
•    Cultivated area of grains, fodder, and open-field vegetables.
•    Cultivated area, number of greenhouses, and quantity of protected vegetable production.
•    Cultivated area and production quantity of cut flowers.
•    Numbers of permanent trees and palm trees.
•    Livestock including sheep, goats, cattle, and camels.
•    Specialized cattle farms by type: dairy farms, calf fattening farms, or combined dairy and calf fattening farms.
•    Number of cattle barns, their area, capacity, and quantity of raw milk produced.
•    Number of milking families in the projects.
•    Number of calves for fattening in the farms.
•    Commodity production requirements such as feed, veterinary medicines, and disinfectants.
•    Number of specialized broiler chicken farms, number of barns, their area, and capacity.
•    Broiler chicken production.
•    Chicks used in production.
•    Specialized layer, parent stock, grandparent stock farms, and hatcheries.
•    Number of barns, their area, and capacity in specialized layer, parent stock, grandparent stock farms, and hatcheries.
•    Table eggs are produced in specialized layer, parent stock, grandparent stock farms, and hatcheries.
•    Chicks produced in specialized hatcheries.
•    Number of specialized and traditional aquaculture farms.
•    Number and size of ponds. 
•    Fish production.
•    Fingerlings are used in production.
Second source: Administrative data from government entities:
•    Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture.
•    Agricultural Development Fund.
•    Saudi Central Bank.
The main published variables from the administrative data source are:
•    Area and production of organic agriculture.
•    Number of organic livestock (sheep, goats, cattle, camels, and beehives).
•    Amount of catches in the Red Sea.
•    Amount of catches in the Arabian Gulf.
•    Development loans to the agricultural sector.
•    Value of agricultural exports and imports.
•    Bank credit granted by banks and finance companies.

Designing the data collection tool

The Agricultural Census data collection tool was designed in multiple electronic formats, including Computer-Assisted Personal Interviewing (CAPI) to facilitate the work of field researchers, Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI) to contact respondents when needed, and Computer-Assisted Web Interviewing (CAWI) through sending questionnaire links via email for completion.
The design of the tool went through several stages, including identifying key variables and developing questions based on the approved concepts, definitions, and classifications, in coordination with the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, and in line with international standards.
The Agricultural Census questionnaires were also developed based on the methodological framework issued by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), particularly the World Programme for the Census of Agriculture (WCA), to ensure alignment with international standards in terms of concepts, definitions, classifications, and questionnaire structure.
Relevant international recommendations on the classification of agricultural holdings, types of agricultural activities, and land use were taken into account, enhancing the comparability of data at both the regional and international levels.
Six questionnaires were developed to implement the Agricultural Census, as follows:
The Agricultural Production questionnaire consists of 10 main sections, as follows:
•    Section one: Geographical and distinctive data.
•    Section two: Identification data.
•    Section three: Agricultural crops.
•    Section four: Livestock and aquaculture.
•    Section five: Commodity production Requirements.
•    Section six: Land use data of the holding.
•    Section seven: Change in assets
•    Section eight: Number of employees and compensation payable to them.
•    Section nine: Main source of irrigation water used in the holding.
•    Section Ten: holding status.
The Specialized Agricultural Projects (Cattle) questionnaire consists of 10 sections, as follows:
•    Section one: Geographical and distinctive data.
•    Section two: Identification data.
•    Section three: Number of cattle in the farm
•    Section four: Cattle farm production (produced, purchased, and sold), and calf fattening.
•    Section five: Commodity production requirements.
•    Section six: Land use data of the holding.
•    Section seven: Change in assets.
•    Section eight: Number of employees and compensation payable to them.
•    Section nine: Main source of irrigation water used in the holding.
•    Section Ten: holding status.
The Specialized Agricultural Projects (Broiler Chicken) questionnaire consists of 11 sections, as follows:
•    Section one: Geographical and distinctive data.
•    Section two: Identification data.
•    Section three: Number of chicks used and broiler chickens produced.
•    Section four: Organic fertilizer production from broiler chickens.
•    Section five: Commodity production requirements.
•    Section six: Land use data of the holding.
•    Section seven: Change in assets
•    Section eight: Number of employees and the compensation payable to them.
•    Section nine: Main source of irrigation water in the holding.
•    Section Ten: Hatcheries.
•    Section 11: holding status.
The Specialized Agricultural Projects (Layer Chicken, Parent Stock, and Grandparent Stock) questionnaire consists of 12 sections, as follows:
•    Section one: Geographical and distinctive data.
•    Section two: Identification data.
•    Section three: Number of birds.
•    Section four: Production of table eggs and hatching eggs, and quantities sold.
•    Section five: Production and distribution of organic fertilizer from layer chickens.
•    Section six: Hatcheries.
•    Section seven: Commodity production requirements.
•    Section eight: Land use data of the holding.
•    Section nine: Change in assets.
•    Section Ten: Number of employees and compensation payable to them.
•    Section 11: Main source of irrigation water used in the holding.
•    Section 12: holding status.
The Specialized Agricultural Projects (Hatcheries) questionnaire consists of 10 sections, as follows:
•    Section one: Geographical and distinctive data
•    Section two: Identification data
•    Section three: Eggs used.
•    Section four: Hatchery production of chicks and methods of disposition.
•    Section five: Commodity production requirements.
•    Section six: Land use data of the holding.
•    Section seven: Change in assets.
•    Section eight: Number of employees and compensation payable to them.
•    Section nine: Main source of irrigation water used in the holding.
•    Section Ten: holding status.
The Specialized Agricultural Projects (Inland and Marine Aquaculture) questionnaire consists of 11 sections, as follows:
•    Section one: Geographical and distinctive data
•    Section two: Identification data.
•    Section three: Fish farming methods
•    Section four: Production and quantities sold.
•    Section five: Number and value of fingerlings.
•    Section six: Commodity production requirements.
•    Section seven: Land use data of the holding.
•    Section eight: Change in assets
•    Section nine: Number of employees and compensation payable to them.
•    Section Ten: Main source of irrigation water in the holding.
•    Section 11: holding status.
Review and validation rules:
To ensure the quality of agricultural survey data, four types of review and correction rules were established, as follows:
•    Automated adjustment rules:
These are rules established for the automatic calculation of certain fields and the automatic validation of responses in specific fields to ensure consistency across questionnaires, totaling approximately 123 rules.
•    Navigation rules between sections and fields:
In coordination with the Applications Development Department, rules were programmed to enable automatic navigation between sections and fields, as well as across Agricultural Census questionnaires based on the respondent’s input, totaling 57 rules.
Error rules: 
 Rules that cannot be bypassed during the data entry process. Field researchers are required to correct the data by referring back to the respondent to verify its accuracy. The total number of these rules exceeds 1,400.
•    Alert (Warning) Rules: 
These rules are designed to verify the correctness of the data entered by the researcher. The field researcher may override them if the data accuracy is confirmed, with a total of approximately 68 rules.
A data collection tool was also designed based on standardized data request tables sent to the relevant data providers, with the aim of obtaining periodic, coordinated, and documented data on targeted agricultural indicators.

Questionnaire test (cognitive test)

Cognitive testing was conducted on a number of questionnaire items. The interview sample consisted of a random sample of holdings distributed across the regions of Saudi Arabia.
During the cognitive testing process, the following evaluation pillars were taken into consideration: The overall concept of the question, clarity of question wording, clarity of terms used in the question, appropriateness of the response options, participants’ ability to answer the questions effectively, and the extent to which participants were willing to disclose their answers. This process resulted in a report summarizing the full findings of the cognitive test.

Statistical population

The statistical population of the Agricultural Census consists of all agricultural holdings (traditional and specialized farms) located within the geographical boundaries of Saudi Arabia.

Sample Design

Not applicable, as a complete enumeration of all agricultural holdings in Saudi Arabia was conducted.

Statistical unit

The statistical unit in the Agricultural Census is the agricultural holding.

Data collection

Agricultural Census data collection:
Data for agricultural statistics is collected through Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviews (CATI), Computer-Assisted Web Interviews (CAWI), and Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI).
Data collection from administrative records:
In coordination with the relevant departments of GASTAT responsible for data collection and management, administrative data were obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Agricultural Development Fund, and the Saudi Central Bank. 
Administrative data were reviewed by checking consistency across datasets, verifying completeness and logical coherence, and ensuring the absence of duplication. The data are stored in GASTAT’s databases after auditing and review processes, in accordance with approved statistical methods and recognized quality standards. The data source is consulted in case of any detected errors or observations. 

Data collection frequency 

The Agricultural Census data collection process is carried out every 10 years.

Reference area

The Agricultural Census covers all 13 administrative regions in Saudi Arabia.

Reference period (time reference)

The data in the Agricultural Census report are assigned as follows:
•    Crop production covers the period from 1 March 2023 to 28 February 2024.
•    Livestock and poultry numbers refer to the year 2023.
•    Livestock and poultry production are based on 31 December 2023.
•    Marine fisheries and aquaculture data are based on 31 December 2023.
•    Annual administrative data are obtained from the Ministry of Environment, Water and Agriculture, the Agricultural Development Fund, and the Saudi Central Bank.

Base period

Not applicable, as the Agricultural Census is based on complete enumeration and the measurement of actual and absolute values (such as cultivated land area, livestock numbers, and production quantities) during the reference year (2023) and does not require comparison with a previous reference year (base year).

Measurement unit

The units of measurement for the indicators included in the Agricultural Census report vary according to the nature of each indicator, as follows:
•    Some indicators are measured in tons, such as production quantities and import and export quantities.
•    Some indicators are measured in hectares, such as cultivated areas.
•    Some indicators are measured in numbers, such as livestock numbers (sheep, goats, cattle, and camels).
•    Some indicators are measured in monetary value (Saudi riyals ), such as the value of imports and exports.

Time coverage

Data are available from 2014 to 2023.

Publication frequency

The results of the Agricultural Census are published every 10 years in accordance with the approved statistical plan.

Statistical processing

Error detection

A set of rigorous processes is implemented to detect errors in data collected from the field, through the application of automated methods to measure quality indicators, and data cleaning using programming languages such as Python and SQL, in addition to supporting manual procedures, ensuring the highest levels of quality and accuracy.
These included the following:
•    Identifying illogical or out-of-range values, such as inconsistent quantities or areas, and detecting outliers.
•    Detecting missing values and handling them in accordance with approved policies, such as imputation using measures of central tendency or utilizing historical values.
•    Reviewing internal consistency among questionnaire responses to verify data coherence, logical consistency, and the accuracy of inputs.
•    Comparing census data with historical data to verify their validity, in preparation for the data processing stage, results extraction, and subsequent review.
Remote sensing techniques and satellite imagery analysis were also utilized, along with the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms, to support the validation of field-collected data and improve the quality of agricultural holdings classification.
These technologies have contributed to:
•    Improving the accuracy of identifying the locations and geographical boundaries of agricultural holdings.
•     Verifying agricultural land use (crops, pastures, and unused land).
•     Supporting the detection of outliers or illogical values through comparison between field data and geospatial data. 
•    Enhancing the quality of classifying holdings as traditional or specialized based on agricultural activity characteristics and usage patterns.

Data integration and matching from multiple sources 

Two main sources were used to produce Agricultural Census indicators: administrative data obtained from relevant entities, and data collected through the Agricultural Census. These data are processed in an integrated manner to ensure the comprehensiveness of statistical outputs and enhance their accuracy.
Alignment between the two sources is carried out by checking for duplication or discrepancies in values and comparing common variables, such as the number of projects and production quantities. In cases where differences exist, priority is given to the most accurate and comprehensive source, followed by the most recent in terms of timing, or the source entity is consulted to verify and address the causes of discrepancies.
This integration aims to enhance data quality and fill gaps that may not be covered by either source individually, while ensuring methodological consistency in classifications and the reference time period.
In this context, the Multiple Frame Approach was utilized through the integration of Agricultural Census data with administrative data from multiple sources and artificial intelligence techniques, with the aim of improving statistical coverage, enhancing the accuracy of estimates, and reducing bias resulting from the underrepresentation of certain agricultural units, such as large or specialized holdings.
Relevant international practices and recommendations were also considered, particularly the World Programme for the Census of Agriculture (WCA), which emphasizes the importance of building a comprehensive statistical framework based on multiple sources, including administrative records and previous censuses.
It was also taken into account that administrative data are primarily collected for administrative purposes, which may lead to differences in the definition of units between administrative and statistical perspectives. Accordingly, this was considered during their use to ensure consistency with the statistical unit adopted in the Agricultural Census.

Imputation and calibration

Procedures for calculating variables and aggregates:
Aggregation: Total production by administrative region is calculated by summing production quantities across all items by crop group, or by summing livestock numbers or fish production.
Handling missing values (Imputation):
In cases of missing or incomplete data, approved statistical imputation methods are applied to maintain data quality and consistency. These methods include the use of measures of central tendency (such as averages), as well as the use of historical data for the same unit or similar units, in addition to reviewing administrative data to support data completion.
More advanced imputation methods are also applied when needed, such as Hot Deck imputation using similar records or Cold Deck imputation using data from previous periods, as well as logical imputation based on relationships between variables within the questionnaire, or the use of ratios and estimates based on available data patterns.
Remote sensing techniques and geospatial data, such as satellite imagery, are also utilized to support imputation and validation processes, particularly in estimating variables related to land use or agricultural areas in cases of missing data, or in improving the accuracy of estimated values through comparison with available spatial data. 
The most appropriate imputation method is selected based on the nature of the variable, data availability, and the characteristics of agricultural holdings. 

Seasonal adjustments

Not applicable, as no seasonal data are used, and the final results for 2023 have been published.

Adjustment of preliminary results 

The final results were published after alignment with the relevant entities.

Used Resources

Quality dimensions

Suitability

A criterion that indicates the extent to which the product meets users’ needs.

User needs 

Internal users at GASTAT of Agricultural Census data include:
•    Statistics of national accounts.
Several external users significantly benefit from Agricultural Census data, including:
•    Government entities.
•    Regional and international organizations.
•    Research institutions.
•    Media.
•    Individuals.
Key variables that external users benefit from:

Completeness 

The data are based on the Agricultural Census and administrative records to provide comprehensive information on crops, livestock, and fisheries in Saudi Arabia. Geospatial data were also utilized, including remote sensing techniques and satellite imagery, to support and improve data quality and enhance the accuracy of identifying the locations of agricultural holdings and land use, thereby contributing to more comprehensive and accurate statistical outputs, and ensuring data integration.

Accuracy and reliability 

A measure of the extent to which calculations or estimates are close to the accurate or actual values that reflect reality.

Overall accuracy 

•    Data quality was enhanced by selecting researchers based on a set of practical and objective criteria related to the nature of the work and by qualifying and training them accordingly.
•    Alert, prevention, and correction rules are applied during the data collection process on the electronic questionnaire for Agricultural Statistics to improve data quality.
•    The data is examined against previous years to identify any significant changes.
•    The internal consistency of the data is checked before it is finalized.
•    The links between variables are checked and coherence between different data series is confirmed.

Timeliness and punctuality 

Timeliness A standard that indicates the length of time between the availability of information and the occurrence of the event.
Punctuality It reflects the time lag between the data publication date and the target date when publication actually occurs.

Timeliness 

The General Authority for Statistics is committed to applying internationally recognized standards regarding the announcement, clarification of the time of publishing statistics on its official website, as outlined in the statistical calendar, as well as adhering to the announced time of publication. In the event of any delay, updates will be provided accordingly.

Punctuality 

Publication is carried out in accordance with the release dates in the statistical calendar for the Agricultural Census published on GASTAT’s website.
The data are available at the expected time, as scheduled in the statistical release calendar, If the publication is delayed, reasons shall be provided.

Coherence and comparability

A standard that refers to the necessity of internal and temporal consistency of statistics, their logical coherence, and their comparability and integration across different regions and sources.

Comparability - geographical

Statistical data related to the Agricultural Census are fully comparable geographically within Saudi Arabia, as well as at the regional and international levels.

Comparability - over time 

Agricultural Census began in 2014 as a census conducted every 10 years. The following are the main changes that have occurred in recent years:
•    2023: 
Methodological improvements were introduced in the 2023 Agricultural Census statistics, including the expansion of data sources to incorporate administrative data and geospatial data (remote sensing), in addition to field surveys.

Coherence- Cross domain

Agricultural Census data exhibit a high degree of consistency across administrative regions, as the same approved definitions, concepts, and classifications are applied. Data collected from all sources are also subject to standardized validation procedures, ensuring their comparability across administrative regions.

Coherence- Sub-annual and annual statistics 

Not applicable, as Agricultural Census are published every 10 years. 

Coherence- National Accounts 

Agricultural Census data are integrated with the requirements of the national accounts through the adoption of approved economic classifications, such as the International Standard Industrial Classification (ISIC). The results, in terms of both quantities and prices, are used as key inputs in estimating the contribution of agriculture to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) within the framework of national accounts. Continuous coordination was also carried out with National Accounts Statistics to ensure consistency between the results and macroeconomic indicators.

Coherence- Internal 

The Agricultural Census estimates for the reference period have full internal consistency, as they are all based on the same accurate dataset and are calculated using the same estimation methods.

Accessibility and clarity

It refers to users’ access to data, the availability of detailed and aggregate data, as well as the availability of the Methodology and Quality Report.

Press releases

The announcements for each publication are available on the statistical calendar as mentioned in 10.1. The press releases can be viewed on the website of GASTAT on the link: 
Press release

اPublications

 GASTAT is keen to publish its results in a manner that serves all types of users, including publications in various formats containing dissemination tables, data and indicator charts, the Methodology and Quality Report, and the questionnaires used, in both Arabic and English.
The results of the Agricultural Census are available at:
Agricultural Census

Online database

The data are published in the statistical database at:
GASTAT (stats.gov.sa)

Microdata accessibility

Accurate data is unit-level disaggregated data obtained from multiple sources such as sample statistical surveys, general population and housing censuses, and administrative systems, providing detailed information about the characteristics of individuals, families, business entities, and geographical areas, supporting the construction and development of statistical indicators and scientific research.
Different types of microdata files are available to meet diverse information needs.
•    Public use: 
It consists of sets of records containing information on individuals, households, or business entities anonymized in such a way that the respondent cannot be identified either directly, such as by name, address, contact number, identity number, etc., or indirectly (by combining different – especially rare – characteristics of respondents), such as age, occupation, education, etc.
•    Scientific use:
These datasets are created in accordance with specific methodologies upon request from data users to extract datasets with defined characteristics for use in strategic studies, decision-making, and scientific research by individuals, households, and enterprises, while ensuring that they do not contain any direct identifiers and are subject to confidentiality protection controls.
Qualified users who meet the standards and procedures of confidentiality protection can access the files of scientific use of accurate data through the platform "ITAHA" of the General Authority for Statistics, while the most sensitive data for use is shared by visiting the accurate data laboratory within a secure environment managed by the Authority.

References and standards

Agricultural Census standards:
GASTAT carries out all its statistical activities in accordance with a unified methodology that is consistent with the nature of each statistical product. In doing so, it relies on the Statistical Business Process Manual, which is aligned with the procedures adopted by international organizations, such as the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and other relevant international entities, in coordination with the competent national entities.
•    For more details, you can refer to the attachment.
Generic Statistical Business Process Model(GSBPM)

Quality assurance

GASTAT ensures that the following principles are taken into account: Impartiality; user-oriented statistical products; quality of processes and outputs; effectiveness of statistical operations; and reduced respondent burden. 
Data is validated through procedures and quality controls that are applied during the process at various stages, such as data entry, data collection, and other final controls.

Quality assessment

GASTAT carries out all statistical activities in accordance with the National Version of the Generic Statistical Business Process Model (GSBPM). During the comprehensive evaluation stage, which is the final stage of the GSBPM, the information collected throughout each stage and sub-process is used to prepare an evaluation report summarizing all quality-related challenges associated with each statistical process, serving as an input for improvement and development actions.

Confidentiality

Confidentiality - Policy

According to Royal Decree No. 23 dated 07/12/1379, data must always be kept confidential and must be used by GASTAT for statistical purposes only.
Therefore, the data is protected in the data servers of GASTAT.

Confidentiality - Data Treatment

Data of SMEs survey are presented in right tables in order to summarize, understand, as well as extract their results. Moreover, to compare them with other data, and to obtain statistical significance about the selected study population. However, referring to such data indicated in tables is much easier than going back to check the original questionnaire that may include some data like names and addresses of individuals, and names of data providers, which violates data confidentiality of statistical data.
“Anonymity of data” is one of the most important procedures. To keep data confidential,

GASTAT removed information on individual persons, households, or business entities in such a way that the respondent cannot be identified either directly, such as by name, address, contact number, identity number, etc., or indirectly by combining different, especially rare, characteristics of respondents, such as age, occupation, education, etc.

Dissemination policy

Statistical calendar

The Agricultural Census has been included in the statistical calendar.
Statistical Calendar

User access

One of GASTAT’s objectives is to better meet its clients’ needs; therefore, it provides them with the results immediately upon the release of the Agricultural Census results.
Customer questions and inquiries regarding the publication and its results are also received through various communication channels, such as:
•    GASTAT official website:  www.stats.gov.sa
•    GASTAT official email address:  info@stats.gov.sa
•    Official visits to GASTAT’s official head office in Riyadh or one of its branches in Saudi Arabia.
•    Official letters.
•    Statistical telephone: (199009).