The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (DARD), the Risk and Resilience Unit (RRU) and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have been working together since the beginning of 2016 to develop a food security monitoring system for Vanuatu. This collaboration is possible thanks to funding from the European Union.
 
The food security monitoring system is a tool that monitors food production while strengthening the extension services of the country. This is a  proven method to improve communication between the National and the Provincial levels, and facilitate evidence-based decision-making.
 
The food security monitoring system helps monitors the impact of drought and the impact of excess rainfall on certain crops. Information is collected regularly with the inputs of agricultural extension officers. The information is then analysed by the RRU and a compiled report will inform stakeholders about the situation on the ground.
 
High-level decision makers have expressed their satisfaction with the tool as it facilitates an overview of what is happening in the provinces; what is improving communication between the national and the provincial level, and how it is providing timely and reliable evidence to make decisions about the impact of El Niño.
 
Joshua Mael, coordinator of the Risk and Resilience Unit, has expressed that this tool is facilitating evidenced-based decision making for the Government. “ This system is enabling the government to do evidence-based decision making. I think we are making a break through as we are giving recommendations based on facts. This has not been done before.”
 
Food Security Monitoring System Trainings
The RRU, DARD, and FAO, are training all the agricultural extension officers in this tool. During the months of June, July and October 2016, training took place in Shefa province, Sanma province, and Tafea province, covering DARD officers from five out of the six provinces in Vanuatu. This training is also funded by the European Union.
 
The training contains sessions on food security monitoring systems and a practical using a data collection software called Kobo Toolbox. Over 25 DARD officers have been trained in the food security monitoring system with very positive feedback.
 
Next steps
The RRU and DARD are interested in continuing support and development in this system in order to institutionalize the food security monitoring system.
 
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