1 3 Food Security Assessments Phases Tools Food

1. 3. Food Security Assessments: Phases & Tools Food Security Cluster Needs Assessment Workshop Dhaka, Bangladesh 19 – 20 February 2012

Food Security Assessments: Phases & Tools Session Objectives After this session, participants should be able to: • Explain the importance and purpose of a phased approach to assessment • Identify the key differences between the various types of emergency food security assessment • Describe the various assessment tools that are used in each phase • Describe assessment tools being used by FSC members here in Bangladesh

efsa: a phased approach § initial investigation § rapid assessment § in-depth assessment Conducted: • when? • why? • how? key differences?

efsa: tools & techniques Type Initial EFSA Rapid EFSA In-depth EFSA Tools & Techniques Secondary data analysis Checklists Key informant interviews Observation Secondary data analysis HH-level questionnaires Community, focus group interviews Key informant interviews Market / trader questionnaires Secondary data analysis HH questionnaires Statistical sampling techniques Precision Low Speed High Medium High Low

A general rule of initial efsa: “Get the whole picture half right” (Aim to understand the full array of potentially life-threatening needs; in time, refine and seek precision. )

efsa: assessment tools • What tools are food security cluster members using here in Bangladesh?

Wrap-up • Food security assessment calls for a phased approach: e. g. initial, rapid, in-depth • Assessors must always balance the need for urgency vs. the desire for precision and accuracy • Selection of assessment tools & techniques is also influenced by availability of funding, experience, available analytical skills