--- title: "Stata Software" slug: "stata-software" updated: 2026-01-26T12:05:37Z published: 2026-01-26T12:05:37Z canonical: "vamresources.manuals.wfp.org/stata-software" --- > ## Documentation Index > Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://vamresources.manuals.wfp.org/llms.txt > Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further. # Stata Software ## Description The Stata software is a statistical analysis program, qualitative data analysis, data manipulation, visualization, statistics, and automated reporting. It is used by researchers in many fields, including biomedicine, economics, epidemiology, and sociology. ### Key Features: - Extensive libraries for statistical tests (ANOVA, regression, t-tests) - Data visualization capabilities (plotting, charting) - Support for various data formats (CSV, Excel, database connections) - Scripting/Programming environment for reproducible research - Graphical User Interface for no-code analysis - Platform independent (usable on any operating system) ### Primary User Base: Research Analysts, M&E Officers, Data Scientists ### Strengths/Advantages: Large community of users, open-source extensions available, standard for specific domains such as economics. Very high limits on large datasets even in the base version. Multi-core data processing more effective than competitors. ### Limitations/Considerations: The Graphical User Interface supports only limited features. Cost of license and proprietary software. ## Stata in WFP processes This section details how Stata is currently utilized across WFP operations, analysis, and research. ### Application Areas Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM): Regression analysis on food security drivers; food commodities market price forecasting; Alerts for Price Spikes. Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E): Impact evaluation studies, baseline/endline data analysis. ### Example Projects/Reports Estimating the food security impact of cuts to WFP assistance ([here](https://docs.wfp.org/api/documents/WFP-0000152402/download/)) - Stata software was used to clean, structure, and analyze micro-data from 12 different surveys. Almost Ideal Demand System analysis and simulations with econometric methods described in the report were performed with Stata. ## Procurement Information regarding the licensing and purchasing of Stata. Cost/Licensing Model: Subscription-based (Annual/Per user), or Perpetual License. WFP Licensing Status: Individual user licenses required ### How to Obtain a License (if required) Please note: Links in this section are only accessible to internal WFP users. [Quick guide: Purchasing STATA licences](https://api.godocs.wfp.org/api/documents/WFP-0000171610/download/) Current Version Used at WFP: latest. ## Installation Guidelines and prerequisites for installing Stata on WFP-issued equipment. ### Prerequisites Compatibility requirements vary with the installed version and operating system used. It is recommended to confirm that your laptop satisfies the requirements listed in the [Official Stata Corp documentation](https://www.stata.com/products/compatible-operating-systems/). All corporate laptops are expected to satisfy the indicated requirements. ### Installation Method (WFP standard): Method 1: Available via Company Portal (Windows) Method 2: Manual installation using vendor-provided installer (Requires IT support as administrative privileges are needed) and request via the enterprise ticketing system. ## Usage Resources and best practices for using Stata effectively within WFP. Data Security and Privacy: Must only be used on WFP devices/servers, Avoid storing confidential data locally, refer to WFP Data Management Policy, keep the software up-to-date with the latest version. Do not include sensitive information in do-files. WFP Data Standards: Reproducibility is the key, start exploring how Stata makes your analysis future-proof [here](https://www.stata.com/flyers/reproducibility19.pdf). Recommended Libraries/Packages/commands: Data Wrangling: [Data management](https://www.stata.com/features/data-management/). Mapping: [SpMap @ World Bank](https://blogs.worldbank.org/en/impactevaluations/making-visually-appealing-maps-stata-guest-post-asjad-naqvi); [Stata guide on Medium](https://medium.com/the-stata-guide/all?topic=maps) Reporting: Use Stata in combination with Markdown ([here](https://www.stata.com/features/overview/markdown/)) to create dynamic reports that blend text, analytical scripts, and graphics. ## Post-installation support Where to seek help for issues, errors, or usage questions related to Stata. Technical/Installation Support (e.g., License errors, software bugs, installation issues): covered by software vendor. Contact: IT Service Desk Category: Specify the IT request category as Software Installation/Fix Functional/Usage Support: Provided in the official community channel [Statalist](https://www.statalist.org/) Internal Channels: Teams APP Overflow, Teams WFP Data Community. Maintenance/Updates: Updates are pushed automatically via Software Center, otherwise Manual update required (subscribe at the time of license activation to receive notifications when updates are available). ## Useful links External and internal resources for further learning and reference. Official Product Website: [https://www.stata.com/](https://www.stata.com/) Documentation/Manual: [https://www.stata.com/features/documentation/](https://www.stata.com/features/documentation/) Recommended Tutorials/Courses: Please note: Links in this section are only accessible to internal WFP users. WFP Internal Community of Practice: Recommend to follow the VAM and OEV communities of practice in Yammer and the WFP Data Community in Teams. WFP Internal Tutorials/Courses: not available