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Monitoring & forecasting acute food insecurity for over 40 years

Monitoring & forecasting acute food insecurity for over 40 years

The Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWS NET) is a leading provider of early warning and analysis on acute food insecurity around the world.

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See the latest analysis

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Monitoring & forecasting global acute food insecurity

Description

Acute food insecurity refers to rapid-onset or short-term food insecurity of an extent that merits emergency response. Its severity is defined by assessing the degree to which households can meet basic survival needs and maintain normal livelihoods. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) phases mapped above represent FEWS NET’s analysis of the most likely acute food insecurity outcomes for near-term (4 months into the future) and medium-term (8 months into the future) projection periods.<br>FEWS NET classifications are IPC-compatible. IPC-compatible analysis follow all IPC methodological protocols but do not necessarily reflect the consensus of national food security partners.

Analyzing the drivers of acute food insecurity

Description

Acute food insecurity is a complex outcome, typically driven by a combination of economic, natural, political, and/or social factors. FEWS NET closely monitors and analyzes the nature, location, magnitude, and duration of these complex drivers, including but not limited to:

Climate

FEWS NET's Agroclimatology Team uses remote sensing satellite imagery to monitor and forecast climatic conditions in the world's most food insecure countries.

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Conflict

FEWS NET uses a standardized approach to gather information and develop assumptions about conflict as it relates to acute food insecurity in FEWS NET-monitored countries.

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Markets & Trade

FEWS NET regularly monitors market prices, staple food production, macroeconomic indicators, trade policies, and shocks that affect market operations and trade.

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What we do

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Analysts working across FEWS NET-monitored countries continuously gather evidence of the current food security situation in areas of concern. Our monitoring contributes to country-specific integrated food security analysis products and alerts on emerging or likely acute food insecurity crises.

View the regions that we monitor

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Using the data and evidence from ongoing monitoring of the factors that influence food security – staple food prices, household income, rainfall, crop production, and more – our analysts forecast likely outcomes for the future.

Learn how we make projections

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To describe the current and anticipated level of acute food insecurity, our analysts use the widely accepted five-phase IPC acute food insecurity scale to help governments and other humanitarian actors understand the severity and magnitude of acute food insecurity and take action.

Understand the IPC scale

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As an early warning system, we produce regular monthly reports, alerts, and themed special reports to provide decision-makers with forward-looking information to guide their humanitarian response plans. We also provide direct access to food security data through the FEWS NET Data Explorer (FDE) and data holdings listed on the main menu.

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The information provided on this Website is not official U.S. Government information and does not represent the views or positions of the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Government.

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