FAO-WFP Joint Monthly Briefings on the global food security situation focuses on IPC concepts and methodology and Madagascar

On 11 March, FAO and WFP organized a joint briefing aiming at presenting the concepts and methodology behind the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) and spotlight the latest Madagascar IPC analyses and trends.

The IPC is an independent initiative bringing together the diverse actors of the food security community at country level in order to determine the severity and extent of acute and chronic food insecurity and acute malnutrition situations within countries, according to internationally recognised standards. The IPC, funded by the European Union, UK Aid and USAID, has 15 global partners and many more at regional and country level. The presentation on the IPC unpacked the IPC Acute Food Security Scale and clarified the difference between famine, risk of famine and famine-likely conditions. It also gave a quick overview of the IPC Analysis Cycle and how the IPC is used to inform decisions.

In 2021, Madagascar experienced its worst drought in 40 years. Consecutive poor rainy seasons, low harvests and COVID-19 exacerbated food insecurity in the country, resulting in populations facing famine throughout 2021. The IPC served as a critical reference planning tool to reverse the disturbing food insecurity trends. A snapshot of the latest IPC results underlined the importance of projections, as they allow for future planning and programming, enabling resource mobilization. More specifically, the FAO and WFP teams on the ground highlighted the actions had been implemented to reverse the increasing food insecurity trends. While WFP increased food rations, FAO supported households with livelihood support. Resilience activities for those in IPC Phase 3 proved essential to prevent their further deterioration in terms of food security and nutrition.

Related links:

Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC)

Latest Madagascar IPC analyses and trends