Four countries move forward with improvements to collection and analysis of Food Security data for countries affected by the Syria Crisis

12 July 2015, Cairo – Representatives from selected countries in the Near East and North Africa region gathered in Amman to discuss the way forward to accelerate concrete and practical actions in analysing the food security situation in countries affected by the Syria crisis, part of a regional effort aimed at improving availability and sharing of food security and livelihood data and increasing the capacities for early warning of threats to food security.

The multistakeholder consultation meeting, which convened on 6 and 7 July and was organized by the Regional Food Security Analysis Network (RFSAN), drew participants from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, together with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), research and academic institutions, donors and UN agencies.

“The purpose of this consultation is to provide a platform for representatives of national governments, regional and international institutions and other stakeholders to share their experiences and identify opportunities to bridge the technological gap in the food security sector, by improving analysis and data sharing between all stakeholders”, said FAO’s Representative in Jordan, Nasredin Hag Elamin.

Late last year, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and iMMAP launched RFSAN with the support of a USD 2.7 million grant from USAID’s Food For Peace (FFP) programme. RFSAN provides technical assistance to partner organizations in Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria and promotes an inclusive food security information network that will enhance the understanding and analysis of food security issues in the region. This programme is complemented by a USD 0.5 million project funded through FAO’s Technical Cooperation Programme (TCP) to help national institutions in Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon better respond to food security concerns and strengthen communities’ resilience to shocks.

By improving analysis and data sharing between UN agencies, NGOs and governments on food security, the information network will allow better-informed interventions for vulnerable populations and ensure that the limited resources are applied where they are needed most. iMMAP comprehensively supports regional crisis response with critical information management support to humanitarian and development actors. In a multifaceted manner, the support is not limited to food security; it extends across all themes of assistance. iMMAP staff incorporated in RFSAN assist across varying disciplines – ranging from software development, analysis, geographical information systems, infographics design and capacity development.

“With the protracted nature of this crisis coupled with the expected shortfalls in funding, it is essential to streamline assistance programmes to ensure longevity. By looking at food security through a regional lens, RFSAN aims to assist in the streamlining of interventions, taking into consideration that food security does not always respect international borders between crisis-affected countries”, said Keith Doyle, iMMAP Regional Representative.