On March 18 - 22, 2024, a Technical Training Workshop focusing on SDG 2.1 target took place in Yerevan, Armenia. The workshop delved into SDG 2.1.1“the Prevalence of Undernourishment” and SDG 2.1.2 “the Prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity in the population based on the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES). 

The recent adoption of the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda has been both an opportunity and a challenge to define the national SDG monitoring framework. In this context, Statistical Committee of Armenia (Armstat), asked for a technical support regarding the above SDG 2.1 food security indicators to FAO Statistics Division (ESS)/Food Security and Nutrition Statistics Team.

The workshop was conducted by Firas Yassin, Food Security Statistician from FAO/ESS. He has an extensive experience in leading the capacity development activities on both SDGs indicators in most of the countries in FAO - Europe and Central Asia region. The training was also supported by Ms. Sara Zakaryan, Food Security Analyst from the ESS.

During the opening remarks of the training SDG monitoring framework and brief introduction of the SDG indicators for which FAO is custodian were introduced. General introduction to Household Budget Survey with a special focus on food consumption modules was done. 

The actual training involved theoretical background, technical and practical training on the analysis of food consumption and demographic data for the estimation of PoU (SDG 2.1.1). The training also provided theoretical knowledge and hands-on-data training on the use of FIES and the estimation of SDG 2.1.2.  

In addition to their use of monitoring progress towards SDG 2, both Food Security indicators have the ability to support national policy makers to draw national food security policies and programs. In specific, they can help identifying vulnerable populations and guide and monitor the effects of national food security policies and programmes, identify risk factors for and consequences of food insecurity, and, lastly, support with data-based evidence and information the decision-making and policy implementations.

The training was well attended.  Participants were from ArmStat, other public institutions, as well as UN agencies. Participants engaged in discussions and practical sessions aimed at enhancing their understanding and capacity to address these critical aspects of sustainable development.