Overview
Food security analysis is a core function of WFP’s work. It is the basis for the design of all operations (emergency operations, protracted relief and recovery operations as well as country programmes). Prior to the design of operations in any country, WFP undertakes an analysis of the food security situation and answers some critical questions:
• who is food insecure or vulnerable?
• how many are there?
• where do they live?
• why are they food insecure or vulnerable?
• how is the situation likely to evolve and what are the risks threatening them?
• what should be done to save their lives and livelihoods?
Food security analysis provides information to:
• identify the most food-insecure people to ensure the most effective targeting;
• identify the most appropriate type and scale of intervention, whether food distributions, school feeding or more innovative interventions such as cash or voucher programmes;
• ensure the most efficient use of humanitarian resources by allocating funding according to needs.