1.3. Food Security Assessments: Phases & Tools Food Security Cluster Needs Assessment Workshop Dhaka, Bangladesh 19 – 20 February 2012

Session Objectives After this session, participants should be able to: Explain the importance and purpose of a phased approach to assessment Identify the key differences between the various types of emergency food security assessment Describe the various assessment tools that are used in each phase Describe assessment tools being used by FSC members here in Bangladesh Food Security Assessments: Phases & Tools

efsa : a phased approach  initial investigation  rapid assessment  in-depth assessment Conducted: when? why? how? key differences?

efsa : tools & techniques TypeTools & TechniquesPrecisionSpeed Initial EFSA Secondary data analysis Checklists Key informant interviews Observation LowHigh Rapid EFSA Secondary data analysis HH-level questionnaires Community, focus group interviews Key informant interviews Market / trader questionnaires Medium In-depth EFSA Secondary data analysis HH questionnaires Statistical sampling techniques HighLow

A general rule of initial efsa: “Get the whole picture half right” (Aim to understand the full array of potentially life-threatening needs; in time, refine and seek precision.)

efsa : assessment tools What tools are food security cluster members using here in Bangladesh?

Wrap-up Food security assessment calls for a phased approach: e.g. initial, rapid, in-depth Assessors must always balance the need for urgency vs. the desire for precision and accuracy Selection of assessment tools & techniques is also influenced by availability of funding, experience, available analytical skills