Agenda item 1: Overview on FIVIMS implementation - FAO perspective
Agenda item 2: Review of the country status with regard to the implementation of FIVIMS and identification of future actions
Agenda item 3: Activities concerning
Agenda item 4: Review of the progress at the national level in respect of follow-up on ICN and WFS
Agenda item 5: Other matters
11. B.K. Nandi informed the Consultation of the provisional agenda, timetable and the expected outcomes (Appendix III), which were formally adopted. He also explained in detail the matters concerning organization of the consultation keeping in view the various topics of the agenda. Two working group sessions were planned. The timetable was suitably modified to accommodate a parallel session on “Food Composition” during the working group sessions in the afternoon of day two. Besides, it was decided that B.K. Taimni, FAO consultant, India would present the draft TCP prepared for India on day four.
12. He also updated the Consultation regarding actions taken by FAO (RAP) on the recommendations forwarded in the consultation held in Sri Lanka. Specifically, FAO (RAP) had participated in national meetings/workshops in Bangladesh, China, India, and Thailand concerning the establishment of FIVIMS in these countries. Consultants were also fielded or missions conducted in India, China, Myanmar, Cambodia and Viet Nam to provide technical assistance in exploring preparation of the project proposals. It was mentioned that missions were planned for Lao PDR and Indonesia either in December 2000 or January 2001.
13. Barbara Burlingame, Senior Officer, Nutrition Planning, Assessment and Evaluation Service, Food and Nutrition Division, FAO Headquarters presented the global data assessments in the context of FIVIMS. She described global FIVIMS as an interagency effort involving 26 international agencies. FAO acts as the secretariat while the chair is UNDP. The results of the yearly global assessments are presented in the publication called “State of Food Insecurity (SOFI) in the World.”
14. She informed the Consultation that global assessment of food security condition utilize important data derived from food balance sheets, food supply database, anthropometric and food intake data. These time-series data and information allow assessment of food insecurity and nutrition situations in countries. The systematic collection, organization and dissemination of such data is further used for intercountry and yearly comparisons.
15. Ms Burlingame also shared with the Consultation the global initiatives on food composition. INFOODS is the basic food composition data project jointly undertaken by FAO and UNU. It promotes international cooperation and exchange of quality data on food composition in forms useful for various users.
16. In the region, there is an INFOODS Regional Data Centre called ASEANFOODS involving seven countries, namely, Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Viet Nam. Established in 1986, it is currently based in the Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University. It has recently compiled the regional nutrient database and guidelines for harmonizing national food composition database. SAARCFOODS is the other active Regional Data Centre in the INFOODS network, involving the countries of South Asia, and currently based at Peshawar Agricultural University, NWFP, Pakistan.
17. She also mentioned that the Dietary Energy Supply (DES) was fundamental to assessments of food insecurity, as illustrated in SOFI. It served as a basis for estimating and projecting hunger. She cited that the usually quoted figure of 800 million undernourished was arrived at by using DES as a parameter. DES depends on good food composition data.
18. The Consultation was informed of the many options/possibilities of global FIVIMS in terms of the types of assessments and analyses that could be done. Ms Burlingame suggested that FIVIMS data could be used for trend analyses or bivariate/multivariate analyses. She also cited examples of correlation between depths of hunger and infant mortality, GDP growth and life expectancy. According to the data published in SOFI, 2000, the greater the depth of hunger, the higher is the infant mortality and the lower is the life expectancy. The correlation between GDP growth and depth of hunger showed inverse relationship.
19. Because food balance sheet data are only national in scope, systematic collection and compilation of anthropometric and dietary survey data were necessary to provide subnational nutrition-related assessments.
20. Lastly, she apprised the Consultation of the future plans for the nutrition aspects of global FIVIMS as follows: collection of better data from agriculture and statistics, involvement of food composition experts in the preparation of the national agricultural statistics and the Food Balance Sheets. Nutrition scientists and epidemiologists should also be involved in the preparation and the use of the databases and setting up of international standards for classifying/naming of foods.
21. The Consultation was of the opinion that food availability did not automatically connote consumption inasmuch as the latter is likely to be influenced by accessibility, marketing and other factors. While national aggregates are useful for macro planning, household and individual food intake surveys present a more realistic national picture.
22. Siemon Hollema, Assistant Coordinator, FIVIMS Global Perspective Studies Unit, Economic and Social Department, FAO Headquarters shared with the Consultation three examples of country experiences in setting up FIVIMS. These countries included Ecuador, Indonesia and Madagascar. In his presentation, he described the context within which FIVIMS was to be established in these countries as well as enumerated specific issues affecting food security. He discussed the technical issues such as narrow definition of food security, lack of understanding the causes and dynamics of food insecurity and level of data disaggregation and lack of organizational, technical and logistics support.
23. Important remarks were noted during the Consultation in terms of how FIVIMS should be viewed. FIVIMS should be seen as a general framework within which activities can be carried out. He underlined that FIVIMS is not an activity in itself but should serve a predefined purpose and importantly, should be guided by principles of collaboration and harmonization.
24. The Consultation discussed the use of the terms “hungry” and “undernourished” which are often used interchangeably. The dimensions of these words can differ depending on the country context and assessment procedures used. The definitions can be physiological or a qualitative.
25. It was stressed by the Consultation that FIVIMS should be established using national perspective as a guide. FIVIMS initiatives should encourage intersectoral involvement and participation. It should be seen as an initiative and a process.
26. Naoki Minamiguchi, Technical Officer, Global Information and Early Warning System (GIEWS), Commodities and Trade Division from FAO Headquarters described the concept of a commonly shared database for FIVIMS as well as demonstrated to the Consultation the potentials and analytical functionality of the Key Indicators Data System (KIDS). He started with a brief account of the history of KIDS including the past Inter-agency Working Group (IAWG) on FIVIMS Meetings that recommended the development of the Common International Database and later endorsed the establishment of the KIDS. The development of the KIDS is also one of the objectives of the Asia FIVIMS trust fund project.
27. The Asia KIDS is Internet-based and accessible from any web-browser. It starts with static sites linking national and regional institutions involved in FIVIMS as well as provides information on transitory and chronic food insecurity situations for Asia. It is an analytical and decision-making tool for policy formulation and program planning on food security related issues, and the gateway to the dynamic system with online mapping capability. It offers a variety of options for data retrieval and analyses in map, table and chart forms. To date, the prototype Asia KIDS is halfway completion while other modules for policy implementation and program intervention and their impacts on food security are under construction.
28. Mr Minamiguchi oriented the Consultation on the three major sections of the Asia KIDS namely, indicator browsing, data profile analyses and policy interventions. He also emphasized that the present structure of the Asia KIDS safeguards the ownership of the data as well as misuse of the data. He also informed the Consultation of the requirements of the Asia KIDS in terms of hardware and software.
29. Future actions concerning the Asia KIDS include finalization of analytical models, system optimization and bug fixing and application for the Global KIDS. It is also planned that testing and evaluation of the System will be carried out firstly in two to three countries in Asia then in Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
30. The Asia KIDS, as appreciated by the Consultation, allows modification and updating of the data facilitated by passwords assigned to each participating organization. It can also be used as intra-country analyses for as long as required hardware and information network are available.
31. The Consultation was also clarified on the difference between the KIDS and the Key Indicators Mapping System (KIMS). The KIMS is a stand alone mapping and data analysis system while the KIDS is a web-based FIVIMS data management, analysis and dissemination tool enabling food insecurity assessments to be done by users via the Internet.
Bangladesh: presented by Luqueman Ahmed and Mirza Altaf Hossain
32. The Consultation was informed that a number of follow-up activities have been conducted in Bangladesh. A geographical information system (GIS) project was set up in 1996 which generates information that can be used for designing research programs, local level agricultural development planning, disaster management and impact assessment of climatic change on crop production. However, the project does not provide data on nutrition indicators.
33. From 2001-2005, the World Food Programme (WFP) will undertake as part of its country programme Vulnerability Assessment and Mapping (VAM). This is in line with WFP’s new policy of targeting only those who can benefit most from food aid. VAM allows the WFP to identify the most food insecure as well as better understand the causes, characteristics and dynamics of food insecurity for different social and economic groups.
34. Likewise, the Consultation noted that a number of surveys are undertaken. A multiple indicator cluster survey, a collaborative initiative of UNICEF, Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) and the Institute of Statistical Research and Training, Dhaka University, generates data including nutrition and health indicators at the district level. BBS also conducts censuses and surveys either on regular or on ad-hoc basis while the Institute of Nutrition and Food Science conducts national surveys every 10 years.
35. Recently, the Bangladesh Institute of Research and Training (BIRTAN) of the Ministry of Agriculture organized a national workshop on FIVIMS with the support of FAO (RAP). In the workshop, discussions centered on operational definitions of food insecurity and vulnerability within Bangladesh context, identification of key indicators, assessment of existing data collection and disseminations systems, identification of data gaps and design of an appropriate organizational machinery to facilitate the establishment of FIVIMS.
36. Follow-up actions in the country as noted by the Consultation will include the creation of a National Task Force and Technical Committee, identification and selection of indicators, formulation of implementation strategies and finally, formulation of project proposal.
Cambodia: presented by Chea Samnang
37. The Consultation noted that no in-country activity has taken place with regard to FIVIMS. Instead, an orientation was given regarding the general background of the country with emphasis on food and nutrition situation. It was mentioned that WFP has undertaken a very strong VAM initiative in the country.
38. It was strongly recommended that FAO should assist the Government of Cambodia in initiating as well as establishing FIVIMS.
China: presented by Zhai Fengying
39. The visits of Jean-Pierre Cotier of ESNA, FAO to Beijing in 1997 and 1999 provided the impetus for the establishment of FIVIMS. This was further reinforced with the visit of B.K. Nandi of FAO RAP last June 2000 in which key agencies for FIVIMS were visited.
40. It was noted by the Consultation that a number of surveys are being conducted which can provide relevant information for FIVIMS. The China Health and Nutrition Survey and Food and Nutrition Surveillance in 1998 coordinated by the Institute of Nutrition and Food Hygiene (INFH) of the Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine (CAPM) as well as the household food consumption survey carried out by the State Statistics Bureau (SSB) generate useful data on food and nutrition situation.
41. Identified focal point is in the Ministry of Agriculture which gets the support of Ministry of Health and SSB but until now no major development regarding FIVIMS has taken place due to financial constraints.
India: presented by Shashi P. Gupta with supplements from Mallika Arya
42. The Consultation was informed that a number of important information systems exist in the country in different sectors. Some of these include the Management Information System (MIS) of ICDS scheme, nutrition monitoring, mapping and surveillance undertaken in some states, food and agriculture bulletins, Child Info Database of UNICEF and National Family Health Surveys.
43. The Management Information System (MIS) of the nationwide Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) scheme has been strengthened to identify 0-6 year children according to different grades of malnutrition, districtwise. Nutrition monitoring, mapping and surveillance are undertaken in the States of Assam, Maharashtra, Prajasthan and Orissa, after the successful experiment in Andhra Pradesh.
44. The India Nutrition Profile (DWCD, 1998) and the National Family Health Surveys undertaken during 1998-99 are being utilized to identify areas with high malnutrition and poor social indicators for focused attention. The identification of priority districts under the National Commission on population is also done using various development indicators.
45. The community-based monitoring mechanism was highlighted as an important strategy under the proposed National Nutrition Mission. The States are advised to make nutrition a subject of development reviews at state and district levels.
46. The focal point on FIVIMS - the Department of Food and Public Distribution has taken initiative towards the establishment of FIVIMS seeking inputs from members of the Intersectoral Co-ordination Committee which include the Ministries of Agriculture, Rural Areas and Employment, Women and Child Development, Food and Nutrition Board and the Planning Commission.
47. A TCP project proposal for undertaking the work in Himachal Pradesh and Orissa is awaiting the approval of FAO Headquarters. Modalities for implementation will be decided upon approval of the proposal. The Government of India proposes to make FIVIMS a national agenda.
48. The future action aims to identify the ameliorative measures for the food insecure and vulnerable areas. Focused attention with greater funding for vulnerable areas supported by directions from the highest level for elimination of hunger and malnutrition, was considered important.
Lao PDR: presented by Alounyadeht Banouvong
49. The Consultation was informed that no work has been taken by the government towards the establishment of FIVIMS. However, installing data and information system on food security have been recognized as an important step towards laying the foundation for effective policy, plan and programme formulation for ensuring food security.
50. There are established centres in Lao PDR which collect information from five sources. The agriculture sector is responsible for three information centres while the Ministry of Trade collects information from two sources. The National Statistics Centre is very active and has done considerable work on data collection and analysis.
51. A number of shortcomings has been identified such as lack of coordination, overlap between sectors, lack of manpower, equipment and technical know-how. Financial constraints are also strongly felt. It was noted that WFP has initiated the operation of VAM in the country.
Malaysia: presented by Chua Piak Chwee
52. The Consultation was informed that there is no FIVIMS yet in place however, the country undertakes related activities. In 1995, the Ministry of Agriculture launched an Agricultural Information Network (AGROLINK) to facilitate access as well as streamline the flow of agricultural data. This is achieved through a central internet website which makes available general and specialized information relating to agriculture. This website is available to all.
53. A parallel concept is the Agricultural Information Network (DOANET) of the Department of Agriculture (DOA) expected to be operational by 2001. In this system, on-line agricultural information for enhanced project monitoring and reporting system are available to staff members of DOA.
Nepal: presented by Yogesh Vaidya
54. It was shared to the Consultation that the National Planning Commission (NPC) was identified as the national FIVIMS focal point. Within the NPC, the National Nutrition Coordination Committee is working for the establishment of the Nutrition Surveillance Unit which will facilitate the establishment of FIVIMS and formation of a task force is in the process for this purpose.
55. The development and establishment of poverty monitoring system in Nepal is enshrined in the Ninth plan (1997-2001) which aims to set up a regularly updated comprehensive data base on poverty. The poverty mapping system which utilizes GIS techniques is expected to gererate useful information for FIVIMS.
56. The nearly-installed decentralized system under the local self-governance legislation makes it also possible to collect information from grassroots to central level and vice-versa.
57. A set of indicators on food security, health, education and risks of disaster have been used to develop vulnerability maps by the WFP.
58. The Consultation noted that the country is awaiting response from FAO Representative in Nepal regarding the action taken on a proposal submitted in March 2000 which envisages to establish and advocate for FIVIMS.
Pakistan: presented by Jehangir K. Khalil
59. The Consultation was informed that in Pakistan, FIVIMS has not been implemented as yet. However, actions have been taken to pave the way for the establishment of a functional national FIVIMS such as the designation of the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Livestock as a focal point.
60. A set of proposed actions has been outlined for the country which include the establishment of a Food Security Cell within the concerned ministry, organization of a national steering committee, development of a design for FIVIMS and conduct of advocacy and awareness campaigns at various administrative levels. Similarly, budgetary support will be solicited as well as technical support along with acquisition of relevant softwares. Linkages with national and international agencies interested in FIVIMS will also be established.
61. The country has already identified relevant data sources for FIVIMS such as national nutrition survey, agriculture statistics, household income and expenditure survey.
62. He also cited the work of WFP on VAM which mapped Pakistan and nine (9) food security zones, out of which two are food secure.
Philippines: presented by Elsa M. Bayani
63. The National Nutrition Council’s (NNC) designation as focal agency for FIVIMS in 1998 signaled the beginning of the establishment of FIVIMS in the Philippines. Since then, a number of activities has been carried out. Since the last meeting of the Consultation in Sri Lanka, a FIVIMS work plan 2000 was developed and distributed among the members of the FIVIMS Task Force.
64. A Manual of Operations (ManOps) drafted to be used as a working reference by the members on the mechanics of operationalizing FIVIMS including the roles and responsibilities of the FIVIMS network was circulated during the Consultation. However, finalization has not taken place pending the receipt of the results of the review of the use of Key Indicators Database System (KIDS) as well as the finalization of the systems design.
65. A Nutrition Country Profile (NCP) was recently completed and submitted to FAO. Locally generated data were used in the preparation of the NCP to reflect the real country nutrition situation.
66. Review of KIDS and KIMS are on-going as noted by the Consultation. The KIDS’ review is aimed at examining and identifying the key indicators for the different categories proposed by KIDS. A multisectoral task force assigned to undertake the review has agreed to use relevance, simplicity, sensitivity and timeliness as criteria for selecting key indicators. On the other hand, the review of KIMS is looking into the applicability of the system for use in the country.
67. Future actions identified include finalization of FIVIMS design and manual of operations, conduct of capability-building hardware and software acquisition as well as awareness and advocacy activities and launching of FIVIMS by mid 2001.
Sri Lanka: presented by Indra Tudawe
68. The Consultation was updated regarding most recent actions taken in connection with FIVIMS. Two main activities were undertaken. First was the examination of the existing information systems in the country relating to food and nutrition.
69. From this exercise, indicators were identified that could be used from these information systems for monitoring FIVIMS activities. A number of limitations were identified during these activities relating to survey methodology and data groups. Funding was also identified as a constraint.
70. Second activity conducted was the brainstorming session with relevant officials in the ministries and some NGOs to identify the food insecure households. These were mainly those employed both in agriculture and industry as hired labour, small scale farmers and fishermen, and small scale self-employed and internally displaced persons.
71. Food secure but nutritionally insecure households, on the other hand, were those suffering from specific micronutrient deficiencies caused by the type of diets consumed and inadequate nutrition knowledge and information. Children, adolescents, pregnant mothers and adult women with anaemia and children with vitamin A and iodine deficiency were also included in the list.
Thailand: presented by Kanchana Singhaumpai
72. The Consultation noted that since the initiation of FIVIMS, two national meetings were organized by the Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University. The first meeting introduced the concept, objectives and the application and usefulness of FIVIMS. All parties participated in the meeting agreed in principle to establish FIVIMS in the country with emphasis on the benefits to the country and agencies concerned. Discussions during the second meeting focused on steps to be undertaken towards the establishment of the system.
73. The existing databases established by concerned agencies as well as specific groups of indicators were identified. The three groups identified were as follows: Food Production and Distribution Group from the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives and Ministry of Commerce, Health and Disease Status Group from the Ministry of Public Health; and Population and Nutrition Group from the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Public Health, Institute of Nutrition, Mahidol University, and Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
74. Since 1998, several measures were undertaken which are as follows: the recognition of the need to establish FIVIMS, national focal point assigned to the Office of Agricultural Economics, Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, creation of the National FIVIMS Network, the evaluation and listing of information systems and country information including preparation of strategies and work plan for the National FIVIMS and political commitment for sustainable operation.
75. After the appointment of the National FIVIMS Committee, a meeting was held to consider the progress of FIVIMS and a draft project proposal. The FIVIMS subcommittee was also established. This subcommittee will be responsible for selecting the key indicators, databases and other activities to achieve objectives of FIVIMS. There are also plans to conduct workshops and seminar and networking of the country databases for National FIVIMS is the target of future work.
Viet Nam: presented by Ha Hai Ly
76. The Consultation noted that the Government of Viet Nam in pursuing its commitment made in the 1996 World Food Summit has already established FIVIMS at national level which will be based mostly on food insecurity and vulnerability related information systems.
77. A cross-sectoral FIVIMS working group, chaired by Ministry of Agriculture (as focal point) includes representatives from National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (MOLISA), Viet Nam Women’s Union (VWU) and General Statistics Office (GSO). Each participant represents a department responsible for collecting key indicators. An inventory on available FIVIMS related data was made by each participant for immediate contribution to the national FIVIMS.
78. A rough baseline for different administrative levels and data providers are being prepared for final submission to FIVIMS focal point by November 2000.
79. Recognizing the limited fund allocation for FIVIMS activity from the annual budget of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development (MARD), it was agreed that funds will be increased in next year’s budget. The other sources of funds will come from the newly approved project of Strengthening National Food Security System funded by Italian Government and executed by FAO. The technical capacity of FIVIMS focal point office and its partners will be significantly upgraded, especially in the field of inter-agency networks, data analysis and dissemination of FIVIMS outputs. Moreover, a proposal was submitted to APEC for funding the development and implementation of a pilot FIVIMS with the possible participation of the Philippines and Chile and eventually expanding FIVIMS to all APEC member countries.
80. Preparation of vulnerable profiles for various groups are underway. Each vulnerability profile contains a minimum set of information on what compose and interfere with vulnerability of typical households as well as its analysis.
81. Future actions identified include completion of standardized format for FIVIMS profiles and its subsequent dissemination to concerned ministries/organisations, development of designs for FIVIMS data banks, and then training of FIVIMS partners on use of FIVIMS software and methodology.
Working group sessions
82. For the workshop session on FIVIMS follow-up, the participants were again divided into two groups. Group 1 consisted of participants from Bangladesh, China, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and FAO, Rome while Group 2 included Cambodia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Philippines, Thailand, Viet Nam and FAO, Rome.
83. Both groups were first requested to present the status of each country with regard to FIVIMS establishment using the matrix prepared in the last ANFN meeting as reference. It was observed by the Consultation that the countries represented are in varying stages of development with regard to FIVIMS establishment. The status report is given in Appendix IV.
84. The group discussed what FIVIMS related products need to be produced as well as identified how these products can influence decisions at the country level. Processes for establishing FIVIMS were identified together with the agencies/institutions to be involved. Assistance required to put FIVIMS in place and the constraints that the different countries have experienced were also cited.
85. Constraints/changes in establishing FIVIMS as well as recommendations for either country or FAO action were likewise identified. The recommendations of the Consultation are presented below:
For country actionRe-endorsement:
a. Undertake advocacy/sensitization activities involving decision makers (e.g. policy-makers, politicians, ministers, etc.) for generating political commitment towards:New recommendations:
- establishment and institutionalization of FIVIMS
- Creating national FIVIMS network involving all concerned sectors and other organizations
b. Allocate or redistribute existing resources for FIVIMS related activities.
c. Issue suitable government notification to establish appropriate authority for FIVIMS and organizational structures required.
d. Establish interagency working groups for setting up and operationalisation of FIVIMS (where applicable).
e. Create a strong collaborating mechanism between FIVIMS and NPAN activities/nodal/focal points.
f. Organize orientation seminars for key stakeholders in FIVIMS establishment with special emphasis on linking with NPAN.
g. Upgrade technical capability of FIVIMS focal point and other functionaries for setting up FIVIMS, with special emphasis on information technology, mapping, data quality assurance, data analysis, interpretation and dissemination.
h. Upgrade hardware facilities (computers, projectors, etc.) for FIVIMS
i. Develop/adapt relevant materials for FIVIMS, e.g. user’s manual for software, manual of operations, reference books, etc.
j. Disseminate information regarding FIVIMS to potential users, through FIVIMS newsletters, internet, brochures and other media.
i) Document success stories for possible inclusion in SOFI 2001.For FAO actionii) Prepare and submit appropriate project proposals for funding of FIVIMS and related activities.
iii) Review the set of indicators identified during the Sri Lanka ANFN and Bali meetings and submit to FAO the proposed minimum list.
i) Re-endorsement
- Assist countries in advocating/sensitizing policy makers and implementers, concerned UN agencies and other donors for FIVIMS establishment and operationalization.
- Develop basic FIVIMS kit (advocacy materials, overhead transparencies, PowerPoint presentation, brochures, etc.) for distribution to country focal points.
- Organize and conduct regular training for FIVIMS/NPAN focal points and others concerned.
- Provide other forms of technical assistance as required for establishment and operationalization of FIVIMS
- Continue to distribute FIVIMS newsletter and other relevant materials to FIVMIS focal points, NPAN focal points and others concerned.
- Advocate for inclusion of FIVIMS in the agenda of the international and regional food and nutrition conferences.
- Continue to advocate for inclusion of food and nutrition data in the agenda of all regional and international FIVIMS meetings.
- Continue to facilitate attendance of FIVIMS related officials to participate in IAWG and other related meetings.
ii) New recommendations
- Facilitate coordination with other UN agencies like WFP to ensure complementation/integration of programmes like FIVIMS and VAM.
- Country representatives to the Committee on Food Security (CFS) need to be involved in FIVIMS, and FIVIMS focal points need to be involved in SCFS, with documents distributed.
- All IAWG documents need to be distributed to FIVIMS focal points, and other relevant people.
- Send letters to high government officials to remind them of their FIVIMS commitments.
- Provide relevant data sets including FAOSTAT on CD-ROM to FIVIMS focal points.
- Integrate food composition data with Food Balance Sheet data and other FIVIMS data
- Develop a regional database to run on the FAO server, with countries submitting data based on a few core indicators.
- Documentation of examples of best practices and success stories for possible inclusion in SOFI 2001.
a) traditional food resources of indigenous peoples in the region including case studies and their role in providing food security and
b) regional food composition activities
86. Harriet Kuhnlein, Founding Director of CINE presented to the Consultation the history of the work on indigenous peoples and CINE. Definitions of indigenous peoples and traditional food systems were given. The presentation consisted of an introduction to CINE, presentation of video and proposals for case studies for Bangladesh, China, India and Thailand.
87. CINE is a resource center for research and education dealing with concerns along nutrition and health, environmental protection and conservation. A recurring theme in the work of the Center is the disappearance of some food species as well as their traditional food uses and the deteriorating environmental conditions that affect in general the way and quality of life of the indigenous peoples. Other concerns are the increasing trends of chronic degenerative diseases like diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases as well as fetal alcohol syndrome among others.
88. She also shared to the Consultation the participatory research methodology being used by the Center in studying Traditional Food Sources and their uses.
89. There were three (3) case study proposals shared although most of them have yet to implement these projects. Case studies were presented by Suttilak Smitisiri of INMU, Mahidol University, Thailand, and Zhai Fengying from the Institute of Nutrition and Food Hygiene, Chinese Academy of Preventive Medicine, Salome Yesudas of DDS in India and Salek Ahmed of UBINIG in Bangladesh. Ms Yesudas and Dr Ahmed belong to NGO organizations which are members of the South Asian Network of Food, Ecology and Culture. These case studies have chosen the following tribal/minority groups: Karen for Thailand, Inner Mongolia Minority group and Miao (Hmong) Minority group of Guizou for China. Bangladesh and India will work with the very poor and their use of uncultivated foods.
Working group session
90. The participants were divided into two working groups. one group consisted of participants coming from Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Lao PDR, the Philippines, Thailand and Viet Nam worked on traditional food sources. The other group discussed regional food composition activities. This group consisted of participants from Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Thailand.
91. The Consultation observed that there was an overwhelming positive response in terms of the potential for undertaking work with indigenous peoples as well as majority felt that the indigenous peoples would be interested in taking part. While some of the participants were able to give some estimates on number (range from 15 to 100) of tribal/minority people present in their respective countries, it was felt that the figures ought to be validated and later on sent to CINE. A number of publications were also identified which will be relevant to the work of the participants like reports on food, nutrition and health data profiles of each tribal group. In terms of food composition studies, majority felt that analyses should be made for all important nutrients and energy content. However, none of the participants had any idea about how much the studies would cost.
92. On proposed outline for FAO/IDRC publication, the group suggested to also include national efforts, methods for preserving indigenous knowledge, maps, other uses of traditional food sources (TFS), various meanings attached to TFS and recommendations for international and national actions.
93. It was also suggested by the Consultation to include mapping in the list of methodologies and include sub-topics for participatory research. For a holistic and integrated research undertaking, a multidisciplinary team including an anthropologist was deemed important.
94. Other issues surfaced during the discussions. For example, the research teams should also collect information on organizations, GO and NGO, working with indigenous peoples, on-going food and nutrition programs and projects targeting them, existing food composition information of local foods used by indigenous people and impact of government policies on the lifestyle of indigenous peoples.
95. The Consultation was informed that the working group on food composition recommended to also include the analysis, compilation and data on indigenous foods and the data incorporation into national food composition tables and databases.
96. In pursuit of cooperation and harmonization, and in the context of FIVIMS, national and regional food composition database developers should be furnished with unabridged and aggregated food lists and compositional values for food balance sheet foods. In addition, commodity trees, yield data and conversions factors used in food balance sheets should also be given.
97. It was suggested that FAO should convene a meeting or consultation for rationalizing food classifications, food descriptors and food composition data between national and regional food composition databases and food balance sheets.
98. The Consultation was informed that ASEANFOODS in cooperation with SAARCFOODS will run a regional food composition-training course in late 2001.
99. A regional database is also slated to be created between 2001 to February 2002 for South Asian Region.
100. Upgrading of quality food analysis laboratories will also be carried out like in-house quality control system, laboratory performance study and development of regional food reference materials.
Bangladesh: presented by Mirza Altaf Hossain and Luqueman Ahmed
101. The Consultation was informed that Bangladesh Government recently approved the Agriculture Policy which aims to ensure food self-sufficiency in the country by involving non-government and private organizations in the production process. The Government also recently approved the project on home gardening and nutrition with funding from UNDP and FAO as the executing agency. To develop human resources on nutrition and related areas, the Ministry of Agriculture has taken initiative for the establishment of a full-pledged applied nutrition institute which will also focus on in-country training activities on food and nutrition planning.
102. Food monitoring unit with early warning system was set up in the Food Ministry to oversee and monitor the food situation in the country. This initiative will be useful for tackling disaster and food distribution problems.
103. Under the health sector, the implementation of the National Nutrition Programme (NNP) started last July 2000 with a total budget of 125 million US dollars. Initially, the project will cover more than one-fourth (139 upazilla) of the country. The project aims to improve nutrition situation of the country through community nutrition programme and intersectoral involvement of government and non-government organizations.
104. Food-for-Education programme under the Ministry of Education is being implemented. About 300 thousand metric tons of wheat are distributed among the primary students every year to encourage the children to be educated and at the same time to ensure household level food and nutrition security for the poor people.
105. Under the Vulnerable Group Development Programme (VGDP), 4.2 million distressed families were benefited during the 1998 floods.
106. A project proposal on FIVIMS is also being developed to facilitate the establishment of a database for programme planning, targeting, monitoring and evaluation.
Cambodia: presented by Chea Samnang
107. Cambodia’s NPAN with implementation from national to local level attempts to address the multifactorial causation of malnutrition. Developed with interministerial participation, the NPAN has three main components, namely: government policy, current nutrition situation and twelve priority areas.
108. A ten-year Cambodian Nutrition Investment Plan (CNIP, 1998-2008) with a budget of US$90 million provides for a long term strategy to attain sustainable nutrition improvements. Central to this CNIP is a community-based approach emphasizing actions at the household level supported by national and provincial level approaches.
109. On-going nutrition programmes include the Community Action for Social Development (CASD) and Food Insecurity and Provincial Development Programmes (PDP). The existing five-year UNICEF-assisted CASD programme is implemented in eight provinces and targets women and children while GTZ-assisted Food Insecurity and PDP are being concluded in the two provinces.
110. International organizations like WFP, FAO, UNDP/CARERE, CARE International among others as well as national NGOs are providing support to the NPAN.
China: presented by Zhai Fengying
111. NPAN was approved in 1997 but until now the government has not formally designated a focal point office. Despite this, a number of programs and strategies for strengthening actions toward improving nutrition have been conducted or are on-going.
112. A surveillance and improvement of children’s nutrition was undertaken employing the following strategies: training of grassroot nutrition workers, nutrition education, food production and vitamin and mineral supplementation. Incorporation of nutrition considerations into local agriculture, economic and forestry development plan is also being pursued.
113. A data bank is being established which will generate information for analyzing nutritional status of the Chinese people particularly those living in the poor rural areas. Data will come from the Chinese Household Food Consumption Survey, China National Nutrition Survey, Food and Nutrition Surveillance System.
114. Dietary guidelines for Chinese population is being used in the implementation of nutrition education and related activities. The Plan for Action for Improving the Physical Fitness and Health of the Chinese Children was issued jointly by the Ministry of Agriculture and State Administration of Physical Education and Culture and circulated among the highest government officials. School milk, feeding, soybean utilization and school lunch programmes are also being implemented.
115. Research activities regarding fortification of wheat flour with lysine and soy sauce with iron are on-going in selected provinces in the western part of China.
116. Health initiatives for Children in Western China was also launched. A mix of interventions, namely: food fortification, nutrition education, vitamin supplementation, food production like home gardening and expansion of soybean utilization will be implemented.
India: presented by Shashi P. Gupta
117. The Consultation was informed of the progress in the institutionalisation of the National Nutrition Policy (NNP) and the National Plan of Action on Nutrition (NPAN) since the last meeting of ANFN. The proposed National Nutrition Mission, developed to achieve the objectives of NNP and NPAN within a timeframe, was discussed and endorsed by the Food and Nutrition Council on 24 January 2000. Presently, it is under active consideration of the Government.
118. Four regional advocacy workshops on nutrition were organized to sensitize policy makers and programme implementors of various states on the magnitude of the malnutrition problem and the three-pronged strategy of the mission, namely: vigorous awarenes campaign, direct interventions for preventing onset of malnutrition in 0-2 year olds and breaking the intergenerational cycle of malnutrition, and establishing nutrition monitoring, mapping and surveillance. The States were assisted in drawing up State Plans of Action on Nutrition through working group sessions.
119. A number of States have constituted intersectoral coordination mechanisms for effective implementation of NNP.
120. State, divisional and district level workshops are being organized in different states. These activities are intended to create awareness and provide technical support for undertaking nutrition activities.
121. The status of achievement of nutrition goals set under the NPAN was reviewed in an interministerial meeting held on August 31, 2000. Final meeting will be convened by the Minister of State for Women and Child Development to review the NPAN and set the nutrition goals for 2005/2010.
122. The plan of action for food security in India has been developed by the Department of Food and Public Distribution seeking inputs from all partners. The Plan highlights the role of concerned sectors under each commitment.
Nepal: presented by Yogesh Vaidya
123. The Nepal NPAN, prepared in conformity with the ICN goals, was finalized in October 1996 by the National Nutrition Coordination Committee (NNCC) of the National Planning Commission (NPC). With the adoption of NNPAN in the 9th Plan (1998-2002), a separate policy on nutrition was included under Social Science and Food Security.
124. In 1998, the NNCC organized a multiagency meeting of government, non-government, donors and private sector to discuss implementation strategies of NPAN.
125. As a follow-up of the review meeting held in 1999, a programme review for the period 1998-99 as well as identification of future plans was held in September 2000. The results of the review revealed that sectoral programmes were not well-defined and targeted. National Vitamin A and Universal Salt Iodization Programmes were most successful in terms of coverage. There is also a need to strengthen NNCC with a secretariat of its own to make it a full-pledged functional entity for policy planning as well as monitoring and multisectoral coordination.
126. The Multiple Indicators Surveillance has been regularized as a new undertaking of Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS) for generating information related to nutrition, health and social indicators for planning and monitoring of programmes.
127. Nepal National Micronutrient Status Survey (1998) as completed by UNICEF and the final report is expected by November 2000.
Philippines: presented by Elsa M. Bayani
128. The Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN) integrates all the efforts of national government, local government units, NGOs including community-based NGOs, academia, business sector and the international community in planning, implementing and managing nutrition improvement activities.
129. The successor medium term PPAN (1999-2004) was presented and adopted by the Intersectoral National Nutrition Council (NNC) Governing Board. The mix of impact programs remained the same except for the removal of the Credit for Livelihood Programme. Formerly combined as one impact programme, food fortification and micronutrient supplementation are now two distinct impact programmes. Enabling mechanisms previously chosen were still seen as applicable.
130. A major activity carried out under the Research and Standards was the presentation of the results of the 5th National Nutrition Survey conducted in 1998 by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute in March 2000. With the results still showing pervasive problems of malnutrition among young children, pregnant and lactating women, adults and the elderly, the PPAN targets were revised accordingly.
131. The Food Fortification Act of 2000 was recently signed by the President. This legislative milestone is expected to contribute to the reduction if not virtual elimination of micronutrient deficiencies in the long term.
132. With regard to Nutrition Education program, the updated Nutritional Guidelines for Filipinos (NGF) 2000 was launched last July during the Nutrition Month celebration. NGF 2000 will be the key nutrition messages for PPAN up to 2004.
133. To improve the overall food and nutrition situation security, a mix of strategies was identified for adoption. These are generating and mobilizing resources to focusing on programs which has greater potential for success and sustainability, targeted approach in terms of nutrition problems and population groups and stronger advocacy to local government units to give nutrition the priority it deserves.
Sri Lanka: presented by Indra Tudawe
134. The Consultation was updated on the most recent developments in the country in connection with the National Plan of Action for Nutrition (NPAN). For nutrition surveillance programmes, new recording forms are being introduced to replace the old ones. Specifically, a child health development record will replace the former growth chart for the child growth surveillance programme. Similarly, a new card to record monthly weight gain of pregnant women for improving birth outcomes has been introduced.
135. A pilot project on supplementary feeding of primary school children was also launched. Fortified biscuits are being distributed to school children.
136. Under the Food Act No. 26, a code of ethics for food and beverage advertising is being developed.
137. A preliminary national nutrition investment plan has been developed in collaboration with ADB and IFPRI. The plan has identified areas for investments that is aimed at nutritional improvements.
Thailand: presented by Songsak Srianujata and Pattanee Winichagoon
138. The Consultation was informed that in Thailand, with efforts from concerned agencies many steps have been taken to reach NPAN goals. The national directive and plan of action plays a very important role in guiding the implementation, particularly in terms of institutional arrangements to bring all parties to work harmoniously.
139. The mid-term evaluation of the 8th National Food and Nutrition Plan is underway to set the stage for the next national plan. The prevalence of underweight among under five children is under control according to the surveillance data of the Department of Health. Thus, emphasis has been placed on addressing micronutrient deficiencies (IDA, IDD and VAD in particular) and obesity. Programmes to address micronutrient deficiency include food fortification and weekly iron supplementation for school children.
140. The implementation and promotion of national food-based dietary guidelines is being pursued. With the new policy for achieving economic sufficiency, reforms are being introduced in the political, economic, education and health systems as well as decentralization. Consequently, the 9th NESDP of Thailand is shaped to conform with the reforms and in anticipation of the impact of globalization.
141. Key issues on diet-related chronic diseases are being dealt with using the life-cycle approach and promotion of the programme on “Healthy Thais.” This programme incorporates a number of objectives, the problem reduction/nutrition and health promotion, participation for sustainable development.
Viet Nam: presented by Ha Huy Khoi
142. The Consultation noted that this year marks the end of the first 5-year NPAN formulated. Many activities were carried out in pursuit of NPAN targets for the period 1995-2000. The control of protein-energy malnutrition received priority attention and has resulted to a reduction in the prevalence of PEM (using weight-for-age) from 45% in 1995 to present levels of 34%.
143. Projects to prevent and eliminate micronutrient deficiencies, especially vitamin A and iron were extended. A pilot project on iron fortification of fish sauce is on-going simultaneously with iron supplementation. Viet Nam is also preparing to host the next IVACG meeting in February 2001 in Hanoi.
144. Nutrition education and awareness activities like Micronutrients Day (1-2 June) and Nutrition and Development Week (13-16 October) were also organized.
145. A national food consumption and nutrition status survey was also conducted to evaluate the achievements of NPAN implementation. Data processing and analysis are on-going.
146. Lastly, in response to a government directive, a document on nutrition strategies for the period 2001-2010 was prepared and submitted to the Bureau of Government for ratification.
WFP on Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM)
147. Mahadevan Ramachandran, Technical Officer of the Regional Office of the WFP presented the Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (VAM) to the Consultation. The regional workplan presented broad plans for VAM activities for Cambodia, China, Indonesia/East Timor, Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, Myanmar, Lao PDR and Viet Nam were highlighted.
148. VAM activities include targeting of food insecure areas, setting up of food security, monitoring and evaluation system, early warning, growing season tracking, rapid disaster support and capacity-building, to name a few.
149. The experiences in Cambodia and Lao PDR were cited. In Cambodia, VAM allows for finer targeting of food aid to the poorest. The monitoring and evaluation system is being upgraded to better track food aid getting to the poorest and making a difference in their lives. The actual VAM outputs in Lao PDR, on the other hand, enable WFP to identify the most food insecure and the causes of food insecurity.
150. The Consultation urged FAO and WFP to provide clear guidelines on coordinating FIVIMS and VAM activities.
TCP Project Proposal on FIVIMS
151. B.K. Taimni, consultant for the Indian Government to FAO shared with the Consultation the history of the development of the TCP proposal on establishment of FIVIMS at central level and two provinces in India. The guidelines for FIVIMS have been developed and it was also recognized by the Government that support is needed to concretize actions on FIVIMS. The draft TCP proposal has been prepared by the Consultant and submitted to FAO Headquarters and is awaiting action.
152. He also described to the Consultation the contents of the TCP and stated that the proposal is expected to last for 18 months. Background information, justification for assistance and areas where assistance are needed, are included in TCP. In general, assistance for training key personnel, adaptation of software, purchase of hardware and a technical workshop are being requested. Government counterpart was also identified. After completion of TCP and its evaluation, FIVIMS is proposed to be expanded in a phased manner to other provinces.
WHO Update on ICN Follow-up Actions
153. Somchai Peerapakorn, National Professional Officer on Programme, WHO, South East Asia Region updated the Consultation on the results of the last WHO sponsored workshop on the status of NPAN. The joint FAO/WHO workshop was organized in New Delhi in 1999. Three issues were discussed during this workshop, namely: impact, sustainability and what needs to be done and how.
154. Important conclusions were arrived at during the meeting. All countries of the South East Asian Region have developed their NPANs. These NPANs were adjudged to be appropriate, specific enough and adaptable. NPAN, as a common framework, was found useful for organizing nutrition work in the country and encouraged intersectoral coordination.
155. However, a number of actions still need to be pursued. Sharing of information, learning from successes and failures, coping with socio-economic and political changes and epidemiology of food and nutrition situation are recommended. Adoption of community based strategies using the triple A approach for ownership and empowerment, strengthening of control of iron deficiency anaemia, realizing the full potential of primary health should also be listed into.
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