Identifying Situations of Food Insecurity and Famine

Hunger, malnutrition, food insecurity and famines are still persistent in many regions globally. Especially on a local level new concepts of targeting food insecurity need to be implemented. Prior to applying new practical concepts the initial situation has to be understood accurately. Therefore, this methodology paper aims at enhancing monitoring systems in times of food scarcity. The overall aim of the “Farmers Food Insecurity Monitoring” system presented is threefold: First, to accelerate the processes between data gathering and data evaluation; second, to close the gap between recognising a food supply problem and taking actions; and third, to integrate the perception, knowledge, and experience of affected people on a local level. The spatial framework should also integrate urban areas and peri-urban areas, while the current models mostly focus on rural areas. Fulfilling these requirements enhances the opportunities of affected societies to deal with food shortages. PAGE ii | iii Working Paper Vol. 4, No. 3, May 2014 URL: http://www.ruhr-uni-bochum.de/ifhv/documents/workingpapers/wp4_3.pdf