FAO - COMMITTEE ON WORLD FOOD SECURITY (29th Session)

CFS:2003/INF/11-Rev.1

COMMITTEE ON WORLD FOOD SECURITY

Twenty-ninth Session

Rome, 12 - 16 May 2003

INFORMATION NOTE ON THE STATUS OF FIVIMS AT COUNTRY LEVEL

1. This information note provides an updated summary of the status of FIVIMS in the 120 countries, first reported at the twenty-sixth session of the CFS in September 2000. The attached tables highlight trends based on a comparison of the status of FIVIMS activities in 2001-2002 and 1999-2000 in developing countries.¹ This information note is concerned with core FIVIMS activities and hence does not address the related activities and initiatives covered in the document CFS:2000/Inf.9.

2. The information in this report is drawn from various sources including consultations with FIVIMS focal points, regional and sub-regional offices and FAO representatives. The resulting matrix will be used as a reference document in the upcoming FIVIMS External Assessment and Strategic Planning Process (refer to CFS Information Document: Report on the development of FIVIMS).

3. The information presented is grouped by geographical region in the following four categories:

Asia and the Pacific (parts I -III)
Near East and North Africa
North America, Latin America and the Caribbean (parts I - III)
Sub-Saharan Africa (parts I -V)

4. It is interesting to notice the different patterns of FIVIMS development at country level both between and within the different regions. This is partially due to differing levels of support for FIVIMS from external sources, ranging from donor funded projects for specific countries to collaborative activities from IAWG members active in the country. A critical determining factor is, however, the importance that each country assigns to FIVIMS – where the FIVIMS Initiative is seen as relevant to the national priorities, there has been substantial implementation of the ideas, and vice-versa. Linking FIVIMS explicitly to processes such as the Millennium Project and the MDGs, the World Bank’s PRSP and national development strategies should result in greater demand for FIVIMS type information systems and networks. It should also be noted that the concepts and principles of FIVIMS are frequently reflected in existing national information systems/networks, without necessarily being identified as a national FIVIMS (e.g. SIKAP is the Indonesian form of FIVIMS and Sistema de Información de Seguridad Alimentaria y Alerta Temprana (SINSAAT) in Bolivia).

Overall Observations

5. The majority of countries in which there are FIVIMS activities have either nominated or appointed focal points, recognising the potentially important role that national focal points can play in the development of FIVIMS. Further clarification of the proposed role and functions of the focal point will enhance their contributions and ensure that they are located in the most appropriate institution. The FIVIMS Secretariat is currently working on this. Vulnerable groups are emerging as a clear concern and interest of FIVIMS throughout the world, with forty-eight countries having undertaken some form of vulnerable group identification and characterisation in the past two years. There has been less progress in the creation of national FIVIMS networks: eight countries reported their establishment in the past two years, twenty eight reported continuing activities first noted in 1999/2000, while in four countries networks have ceased operations since 1999/2000. Thirty-nine countries have conducted assessments of existing information systems. This represents almost double the number reported in the 2000 report. Action plans for FIVIMS have been prepared in twelve new countries, representing twice the amount indicated in the previous report. This is an encouraging sign for the incorporation of FIVIMS into overall national development activities and work plan. External funding to support specific FIVIMS activities and complement national resources has been requested by twenty nine countries – this can be expected to increase in the future to reflect the needs of countries to strengthen the relevant information systems and implement their action plans. In some cases, e.g. Namibia, countries have chosen to establish a unilateral trust fund to support FIVIMS activities, a very clear illustration of how the country values the national system. Some forms of integrated food security information systems are present in twenty seven countries – up from ten previously. A key partner in food security information system work at national level is WFP/VAM with their country and regional offices – this partnership should be further developed at regional, national and international levels to better co-ordinate FIVIMS and WFP information activities. FEWS-NET, SADC and Save the Children UK are present and active in numerous African countries.

Regional Perspectives

Asia and the Pacific

6. The status of FIVIMS in the Asia-Pacific Region is mixed but with an overall positive trend. There have been encouraging developments in the Pacific. Samoa, a pilot country of the EC funded projects implemented by the FIVIMS Secretariat, has developed a national information strategy and work plan following a national workshop. A regional FIVIMS proposal is under consideration which will build on this approach. In Asia, progress is relatively strong with support from Asia-FIVIMS helping to catalyse activities in five pilot countries. The 2002 Asia Pacific Network on Food and Nutrition Expert Consultation, with representatives from both Asia and the Pacific was a valuable opportunity to exchange experiences at the regional level, and also to link FIVIMS closer to the PRSP and CCA processes at country level. Progress in both sub-regions is expected to be increasingly positive in the future.

Near East and North Africa

7. The development of FIVIMS in the Near East and North Africa has been slow, with only one new activity reported: Afghanistan’s assessment of information systems. The reasons for this need to be investigated. The explicit repackaging of FIVIMS and its links to MDGs and PRSP are expected to foster greater interest and activity in the region in the future.

Latin America and Caribbean

8. FIVIMS in Latin America and the Caribbean is developing strongly. Work has focused on the assessment of information systems and the identification of vulnerable groups. In Haiti, with support from the EC FIVIMS project, new activities have been initiated aimed at providing decision-makers with updated information on key questions for improved interventions. The sixth meeting of the IAWG-FIVIMS was held in Nicaragua jointly with the ninth Round-Table meeting of the SISVAN network, which has a strong presence in the region and is a natural partner for FIVIMS in the future. This partially explains the increase in FIVIMS related activities. It is expected that this level of activity will continue and that consultation with RED-SISVAN will allow for a more regional focus.

Sub-Saharan Africa

9. FIVIMS in Africa is relatively diverse. While work in Central and West African countries continues, few new activities have been initiated there. Two exceptions are Burkina Faso and Cape Verde, both pilot countries under the EC project implemented by the FIVIMS Secretariat. In Burkina Faso, a Plan of Action for strengthening information systems is being prepared, while in Cape Verde a decentralised information system is being implemented to monitor vulnerability. A possible advantage in West Africa is the presence of CILSS and its new strategy of regional development. The advantages of a regional approach require further exploration, given the potential benefits demonstrated by the SISVAN network in Latin America and the Caribbean. Eastern Africa has been relatively stable, with new activities being initiated in Kenya (pilot country) and in Uganda, where there has been very substantial progress with nomination of a FIVIMS focal point, development of an operational framework for FIVIMS and a proposal for donor support. In addition, Ethiopia has a large number of food security information systems operated by different groups which could form the basis of a national network that facilitates sharing information. FIVIMS work in Southern Africa has shown a very positive trend with new activities being undertaken in many countries, e.g. creation of national FIVIMS networks in South Africa, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe and formulation of National FIVIMS Action Plans in Comoros, Madagascar, South Africa and Zambia. Interest in food security and vulnerability has always been high in the region, particularly so with the recent food crisis in Southern Africa. This places further emphasis on the importance of good information to guide appropriate and timely action. SADC, which is an IAWG-FIVIMS member, is thus the natural partner in the region and discussion with the group to explore best options for joint work will be initiated to capitalise on the interest and explore ways to work with the existing Vulnerability Assessment Committees. Further links with IGAD in Eastern Africa and the Horn will soon be explored. FIVIMS work in Africa is expected to build in momentum, particularly where there are strong potential partners.

Key for Tables

	No in 1999, Yes in 2002
	Yes in 1999, Yes in 2002
N/A 2002	Yes in 1999, No information available for 2002
	Yes in 1999, No in 2002
	No in 1999, No information available for 2002
N/A	No information available for 2002

Asia and the Pacific – Part I

SUB-REGION & COUNTRY	Expression of interest / request for assistance	Nomination of focal point	Identify and characterise vulnerable groups	Creation of national FIVIMS network	Assessment of existing information systems	Preparation of action plan for FIVIMS	Proposal for donor funding	Integrated Food Security Information Systems	Other information system activities implemented or supported by non-FAO organisations	Remarks
EAST ASIA
China									Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS).	CAAS maintains a data base at the county level including 140 indicators.
Korea DPR										N/A
Korea Rep.
Mongolia										Submitted to IFAD for consideration
OCEANIA
Fiji										One of EC funded FIVIMS for Small Island Developing States pilot countries
Papua New Guinea										This is based on information from SAPA Office
Samoa										One of EC funded FIVIMS for Small Island Developing States pilot countries
Solomon Islands										N/A
Tonga
Vanuatu										N/A

Asia and the Pacific – Part II

SUB-REGION & COUNTRY	Expression of interest / request for assistance	Nomination of focal point	Identify and characterise vulnerable groups	Creation of national FIVIMS network	Assessment of existing information systems	Preparation of action plan for FIVIMS	Proposal for donor funding	Integrated Food Security Information Systems	Other information system activities implemented or supported by non-FAO organisations	Remarks
SOUTH EAST ASIA
Cambodia									Vulnerability Analysis & Mapping Unit.	A LoA has been signed with FAO under the Asia FIVIMS initiative.
Indonesia									(SIKAP by the Indonesian Food Security Council); Vulnerability Analysis & Mapping Unit.	SIKAP, an Indonesian FIVIMS, has been launched.
Laos										One FAO mission has been sent for an initial stocktaking.
Malaysia
Myanmar										One FAO mission was held for an initial stocktaking, November 2000. WFP Bangladesh has produced a vulnerability map as a contribution to FIVIMS in Myanmar.
Philippines									Many relevant information systems and databases maintained by the Government.	Has been included under the Asia FIVIMS initiative.
Thailand									Many relevant information systems and databases maintained by the Government.	Has been included in the Asia FIVIMS project initiative.
Vietnam										The National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) has shown interest to work with MoA in FIVIMS. FAO run Project Strengthening National Food Security Information System contributes to FIVIMS in country.

Asia and the Pacific – Part III

SUB-REGION & COUNTRY	Expression of interest / request for assistance	Nomination of focal point	Identify and characterise vulnerable groups	Creation of national FIVIMS network	Assessment of existing information systems	Preparation of action plan for FIVIMS	Proposal for donor funding	Integrated Food Security Information Systems	Other information system activities implemented or supported by non-FAO organisations	Remarks
SOUTH ASIA
Bangladesh									Vulnerability Analysis & Mapping Unit.	Has been included by the Asia FIVIMS project. A project proposal submitted by the FAO HQ FNPP Project is under approval by the Government.
Bhutan										N/A
India									Vulnerability Analysis & Mapping Unit.	A Technical Cooperation Program project proposal piloting FIVIMS in two states has been under consideration for final approval.
Maldives										N/A
Nepal									Vulnerability Analysis & Mapping Unit.	One FAO mission has been sent for an initial stocktaking.
Pakistan									Vulnerability Analysis & Mapping Unit.
Sri Lanka									Vulnerability Analysis & Mapping Unit.	Has been included in the Asia FIVIMS project initiative.

Near East and North Africa

SUB-REGION & COUNTRY	Expression of interest / request for assistance	Nomination of focal point	Identify and characterise vulnerable groups	Creation of national FIVIMS network	Assessment of existing information systems	Preparation of action plan for FIVIMS	Proposal for donor funding	Integrated Food Security Information Systems	Other information system activities implemented or supported by non-FAO organisations	Remarks
NEAR EAST
Afghanistan										Included in FAO Project Improving Early Warning and Food Security Information in Countries Subject to Complex Emergencies
Bahrain
Iran
Iraq
Jordan
Kuwait
Lebanon
Saudi Arabia
Syrian Arab Rep.
Turkey							N/A
United Arab Emirates
Yemen
NORTH AFRICA
Algeria
Egypt
Libyan Arab Jamahiriya
Morocco
Tunisia

North America, Latin America and the Caribbean – part I

SUB-REGION & COUNTRY	Expression of interest / request for assistance	Nomination of focal point	Identify and characterise vulnerable groups	Creation of national FIVIMS network	Assessment of existing information systems	Preparation of action plan for FIVIMS	Proposal for donor funding	Integrated Food Security Information Systems	Other information system activities implemented or supported by non-FAO organisations	Remarks
NORTH AMERICA
Mexico										A FIVIMS Information workshop was held in February 2002.
CARIBBEAN
Anguilla										N/A
Antigua - Barbuda										N/A
Bahamas										N/A
Barbados										One of EC funded FIVIMS for Small Island Developing States pilot countries
Cuba								Technical Cooperation Network on Food & Nutrition Surveillance Systems	WFP/Vulnerability Analysis & Mapping Unit.	WFP/Vulnerability Analysis & Mapping Unit has produced a number of comprehensive documents in 2002.
Dominica										N/A
Dominican Rep.
Grenada
Haiti									CSA Food Security Coordinating body exists.	One of EC funded FIVIMS for Small Island Developing States pilot countries
Jamaica
St. Lucia										N/A
St. Kitts Nev.										N/A
Trinidad & Tobago

North America, Latin America and the Caribbean – part II

SUB-REGION & COUNTRY	Expression of interest / request for assistance	Nomination of focal point	Identify and characterise vulnerable groups	Creation of national FIVIMS network	Assessment of existing information systems	Preparation of action plan for FIVIMS	Proposal for donor funding	Integrated Food Security Information Systems	Other information system activities implemented or supported by non-FAO organisations	Remarks
CENTRAL AMERICA
Belize										An FAO Technical Cooperation Program project with FIVIMS components is pending.
Costa Rica
El Salvador
Guatemala									CONSAN, Consejo Nacional de Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutricional (National Food Security Council)	FIVIMS is being promoted in the context of CONSAN.
Honduras
Nicaragua									WFP/Vulnerability Analysis & Mapping Unit and EU doing similar work.	A SISSAN/TCP project was implemented during 2001/2002 (Sistema de Información para el Seguimiento de la Seguridad Alimentaria y Nutricional / Technical Cooperation Program)
Panama									Programa Nacional de Alimentación y Nutrición (PRONAN) – National Programme for Food and Nutrition.	In November/December 2001 FAO funded an evaluation for the design of an information system.
SOUTH AMERICA
Argentina								Plan Nacional de Acción para la Alimentación y Nutrición (PNANN)		Intersectorial Groups organised by the Ministry of Health.

North America, Latin America and the Caribbean – part III

SUB-REGION & COUNTRY	Expression of interest / request for assistance	Nomination of focal point	Identify and characterise vulnerable groups	Creation of national FIVIMS network	Assessment of existing information systems	Preparation of action plan for FIVIMS	Proposal for donor funding	Integrated Food Security Information Systems	Other information system activities implemented or supported by non-FAO organisations	Remarks
Bolivia								Sistema de Información de Seguridad Alimentaria y Alerta Temprana – SINSAAT (Food Security and Early Warning Information System)	EU supports a program for food security (PASA). WFP/Vulnerability Analysis & Mapping Unit.	An Food Security and Early Warning Information System established: Sistema de Información de Seguridad Alimentaria y Alerta Temprana - SINSAAT.
Brazil						N/A 2002				With FOME Zero being launched it is expected that FIVIMS related activities will be welcomed.
Chile
Colombia								CONSA (Consejo Nacional de Seguridad Alimentaria)	A National Food Security Committee exists (SIVIGILA)
Ecuador				N/A 2002	N/A 2002		N/A 2002
Guyana
Paraguay
Peru									EU and WFP/Vulnerability Analysis & Mapping Unit active.	Technical Cooperation Network on Food & Nutrition Surveillance Systems.
Suriname
Uruguay
Venezuela					N/A 2002					Technical Cooperation Network on Food & Nutrition Surveillance Systems strong

Sub-Saharan Africa – part I

SUB-REGION & COUNTRY	Expression of interest / request for assistance	Nomination of focal point	Identify and characterise vulnerable groups	Creation of national FIVIMS network	Assessment of existing information systems	Preparation of action plan for FIVIMS	Proposal for donor funding	Integrated Food Security Information Systems	Other information system activities implemented or supported by non-FAO organisations	Remarks
CENTRAL AFRICA
Cameroon
Cent. Afr. Rep
Chad
Congo, Dem. Rep.
Congo, Rep.
Gabon
Sao Tome-Principe
WEST AFRICA
Benin
Burkina Faso						In progress			FEWSNET, satellite imagery, participation to CT/CCI missions and collaboration with CT/CCI. The AGRHYMET centre of the CILSS works on the estimation of agricultural products and on the elaboration of periodical cereal reports; WFP assist the CILSS in the implementation of an integrated methodology for the monitoring of vulnerable areas.	One of EC funded FIVIMS for Least Developed Countries pilot countries.
Cape Verde										One of EC funded FIVIMS for Small Island Developing States pilot countries

Sub-Saharan Africa – part II

SUB-REGION & COUNTRY	Expression of interest / request for assistance	Nomination of focal point	Identify and characterise vulnerable groups	Creation of national FIVIMS network	Assessment of existing information systems	Preparation of action plan for FIVIMS	Proposal for donor funding	Integrated Food Security Information Systems	Other information system activities implemented or supported by non-FAO organisations	Remarks
Cote d’Ivoire										N/A
Gambia		N/A 2002								N/A
Ghana
Guinea
Guinea Bissau
Liberia
Mali								N/A 2002		Policy analysis module under development within FIVIMS context.
Mauritania	N/A 2002	N/A 2002	N/A 2002	N/A 2002		N/A 2002		N/A 2002		N/A
Niger
Nigeria
Senegal										FIVIMS type project was developed but not funded.
Sierra Leone										Preliminary interest has been expressed in establishing some form of national food security information system. FAO Emergency Program office has been briefed on FIVIMS and supplied with documentation.
Togo

Sub-Saharan Africa – part III

SUB-REGION & COUNTRY	Expression of interest / request for assistance	Nomination of focal point	Identify and characterise vulnerable groups	Creation of national FIVIMS network	Assessment of existing information systems	Preparation of action plan for FIVIMS	Proposal for donor funding	Integrated Food Security Information Systems	Other information system activities implemented or supported by non-FAO organisations	Remarks
EAST AFRICA
Burundi										N/A
Eritrea									WFP- Vulnerability Analysis & Mapping Unit is working in profiling vulnerable groups. A sub-group on Vulnerability Analysis has been created under UNDAF. FEWS-NET has plans to carry on a Food Economy Zones exercise.	Developed framework for a module on food insecure groups for inclusion in the National Food Information System (NFIS), which could be considered, after discussions with government, the base for a national FIVIMS. An assessment of the existing information systems is on the pipeline of the project GCPS/ERI/002/ITA “Strengthening and Expansion of the National Food Information System”.
Ethiopia							N/A 2002			Improvements in food needs assessment methodology have been introduced.
Kenya				In progress		In progress				One of EC funded FIVIMS for Least Developed Countries pilot countries. Technical Cooperation Program proposal for early warning system under review.
Rwanda										N/A
Somalia								Food Security Analysis Unit (FSAU) for Somalia based in Kenya		The FSAU in Kenya generates FIVIMS type information – maps, vulnerable groups, etc.
Sudan
Tanzania, United Rep.										FAO Mission developed proposal for form of sub-national FIVIMS which is under review for possible support.

Sub-Saharan Africa – part IV

SUB-REGION & COUNTRY	Expression of interest / request for assistance	Nomination of focal point	Identify and characterise vulnerable groups	Creation of national FIVIMS network	Assessment of existing information systems	Preparation of action plan for FIVIMS	Proposal for donor funding	Integrated Food Security Information Systems	Other information system activities implemented or supported by non-FAO organisations	Remarks
Uganda				Operational framework drafted 2002			Proposal to World Bank on statistics contributing to FIVIMS			Consultancy in 2001 carried out inventory of information systems and made recommendations on possible members of future FIVIMS.
SOUTHERN AFRICA
Angola										Included in FAO Project Improving Early Warning and Food Security Information in Countries Subject to Complex Emergencies
Botswana
Comoros							SPPD agreement with UNDP (August 2002)		Food security progress report prepared in collaboration with UNDP.	One of EC funded FIVIMS for Small Island Developing States pilot countries. Recommendations made for integrating food security monitoring into national poverty reduction strategy.
Lesotho
Madagascar									National food security and nutrition surveillance program (PNSAN) in place monitoring 4 most vulnerable provinces. Vulnerability Analysis & Mapping Unit created and operating in country.	One of EC funded FIVIMS for Least Developed Countries pilot countries.
Malawi										FIVIMS incorporated in the UNDP Sustainable Livelihoods Program.
Mauritius										N/A

Sub-Saharan Africa – part V

SUB-REGION & COUNTRY	Expression of interest / request for assistance	Nomination of focal point	Identify and characterise vulnerable groups	Creation of national FIVIMS network	Assessment of existing information systems	Preparation of action plan for FIVIMS	Proposal for donor funding	Integrated Food Security Information Systems	Other information system activities implemented or supported by non-FAO organisations	Remarks
Mozambique									FAO support project to Government to develop FIVIMS-type activities and structure.
Namibia									FAO support project to Government Food Security and Nutrition with strong FIVIMS component.	Unilateral Trust Fund project to implement FIVIMS in the country is underway, mapping of some key indicators has been done.
South Africa	N/A 2002	N/A 2002							South Africa is part of Southern Africa Development Community Regional Early Warning System, strong Disaster Management Unit and University support, but not a national FIVIMS per se. The Department of Agriculture is in the process of developing FIVIMS, the department will request assistance from FIVIMS in the near future.
Swaziland
Zambia									FHANIS, FEWSNET, VAM, EWU	FIVIMS is being implemented through other information systems such as FEWSNET, VAM and EWU/MACO
Zimbabwe									Vulnerability Analysis Monitoring Unit operating. Save the Children–UK and FEWS-NET producing assessments based on Household Food Economy Group Approach.	FIVIMS type system - National Vulnerability Assessment Committee (VAC), chaired by the Food and Nutrition Council. Support to system from FAO, Southern Africa Development Community, USAID and DFID.

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¹ The status of FIVIMS in developed countries and countries in transition is not included, due to unavailability of information and a lower priority assigned to ‘FIVIMS’ (the global level initiative) as opposed to ‘fivims’ (nationally focused information systems that respond to specific national vulnerability and food insecurity issues) by these countries.