Food Security Information Systems and Networks (FSIS-FSIN) presentation
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Food security information systems aim to provide analyzed food security data to support decision making. They do this by collecting primary and secondary data, analyzing the data to create useful information for decision makers, and communicating this information through various reports and presentations to stakeholders across government, civil society, and international organizations. The goal is for the information to be assimilated and applied to policy and program decisions, thereby improving food security analysis, planning, and outcomes.
Food Security Information Systems and Networks (FSIS-FSIN) presentation
- 1. Screen 1 of 20 Unit: Food Security Information Systems and Networks Food Security Information Systems The objectives, purposes and functions of Food Security Information Systems and Networks (FSIS/FSIN) Magdi Latif Regional Knowledge and Information Management Officer Advocacy, Partnership and Capacity Development Department
- 2. Screen 2 of 20 Unit: Food Security Information Systems and Networks Food Security Information Systems • This lesson will help you understand the objectives, purposes and functions of food security information systems (FSIS). • It will also introduce a basic framework to describe: - the various components of an information system, and - how they combine to produce outputs that meet the needs of decision makers. INTRODUCTION
- 3. Screen 3 of 20 Unit: Food Security Information Systems and Networks Food Security Information Systems Ensuring the food security of its citizens is an important development goal for all governments. Therefore, decision makers need to know: who are the food insecure? what are the nature and causes of their food insecurity? FSIS AND THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS The objective of a FSIS is to provide well analysed food security information to decision makers.
- 4. Screen 4 of 20 Unit: Food Security Information Systems and Networks Food Security Information Systems The principle objective of all information systems is to support the decision making process. FSIS AND THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS The effectiveness of a food security information system depends on: the analytical and communication capacity of the staff running the system; good institutional support; appropriate methods; and adequate information technology, including computer hardware and software.
- 5. Screen 5 of 20 Unit: Food Security Information Systems and Networks Food Security Information Systems These users may need to apply this information for a range of different decision making purposes. Food security is a complex subject: FSIS AND THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS Many different information systems may contribute data and analysis for building a comprehensive understanding of food security. Food security information must be well communicated to a wide range of potential users.
- 6. Screen 6 of 20 Unit: Food Security Information Systems and Networks Food Security Information Systems Analysts running a FSIS conduct a series of steps resulting in improved decision making: DATA INFORMATION KNOWLEDGE ANALYSIS COMMUNICATION FSIS AND THE DECISION MAKING PROCESS 3. The information must be communicated through appropriate reports. Information that is assimilated by users becomes knowledge. 2. This data is analyzed to make it useful for decision makers. Analyzed data is called information. 1. Data is collected and managed using appropriate survey and data management techniques and software.
- 7. Screen 7 of 20 Unit: Food Security Information Systems and Networks Food Security Information Systems Data is the raw material for an information system. It consists of unanalyzed facts or figures. DATA DATA COLLECTION AND DATA MANAGEMENT Data needs to be carefully stored and managed within an information system. Data should be processed, quality controlled and stored in an accessible format for future analysis.
- 8. Screen 8 of 20 Unit: Food Security Information Systems and Networks Food Security Information Systems People running an information system may be directly responsible for collecting data. We distinguish between two kinds of data: PRIMARY AND SECONDARY DATA Secondary data Data that have previously gathered by another system (for purposes other than addressing the issue or problem currently under study). Primary data Data collected by the system specifically for the research project.
- 9. Screen 9 of 20 Unit: Food Security Information Systems and Networks Food Security Information Systems Food security can be measured in its four dimensions: AVAILABILITY ACCESS UTILIZATION STABILITY Measures whether a wide variety of food is available at farms and in local markets. Measures whether people have enough money to purchase a variety of foods. Refers to the capacity of the human body to absorb the food eaten in an environment that supplies appropriate care, clean water, good sanitation and health services. Refers to the vulnerability context and risk factors that impact negatively on food availability or access to food. DATA AND THE FOOD SECURITY DIMENSIONS
- 10. Screen 10 of 20 Unit: Food Security Information Systems and Networks Food Security Information Systems Each factor or variable is measured by its corresponding indicators. Some variables such as food production may be measured or estimated directly. However, other variables are measured by the use of proxy or indirect indicators. For example, it is extremely difficult to measure actual food intake. Therefore, we may measure proxy indicators such as dietary diversity or number of meals per day. The assumption is that these proxies are closely correlated with the variable we wish to measure. Example: Using proxy indicators DATA AND THE FOOD SECURITY DIMENSIONS
- 11. Screen 11 of 20 Unit: Food Security Information Systems and Networks Food Security Information Systems ANALYSIS: TRANSFORMING DATA INTO INFORMATION A good food security analyst will use the available data to answer a series of questions, such as: What is the current situation? Is there a problem? What is it? What is the evidence? What can we say about underlying causes? What could be done about the problem? Are there options?
- 12. Screen 12 of 20 Unit: Food Security Information Systems and Networks Food Security Information Systems ANALYSIS: TRANSFORMING DATA INTO INFORMATION Food security analysts transform the mass of raw data into information, to support managers in their decision making. DATA INFORMATION ANALYSIS Information is analysed data put into a meaningful and useful context. !
- 13. Screen 13 of 20 Unit: Food Security Information Systems and Networks Food Security Information Systems COMMUNICATION, USERS, APPLICATIONS Only when the target audience understands and assimilates the information, such information becomes knowledge. That is why an FSIS has to be very conscious about how best to communicate the analysis and information that they produce. INFORMATION KNOWLEDGE COMMUNICATION Formats and means of communication include: written reports, verbal briefings and presentations, or media (internet, news media).
- 14. Screen 14 of 20 Unit: Food Security Information Systems and Networks Food Security Information Systems COMMUNICATION, USERS, APPLICATIONS Often, too little of the analysis provided is utilized by decision makers. How to solve this problem? To improve the uptake of information, a FSIS must actively support and publicise the recommendations made. This requires effective communication and advocacy. Also, the FSIS need ongoing monitoring of how and if information is being used.
- 15. Screen 15 of 20 Unit: Food Security Information Systems and Networks Food Security Information Systems Policy-makers COMMUNICATION, USERS, APPLICATIONS The information and reports generated by a FSIS will be useful to several stakeholder groups in different sectors of society. Users of FSIS products include: Elected representatives Government officials and technical staff Local government authorities Civil society Private sector and parastatal organizations The donor community Researchers Training institutions
- 16. Screen 16 of 20 Unit: Food Security Information Systems and Networks Food Security Information Systems Often, the key objective of an FSIS is: supporting the planning and targeted implementation of food security programmes and projects. Information is also needed for: monitoring and evaluation, and to help design, improve, or re-design ongoing programmes. COMMUNICATION, USERS, APPLICATIONS
- 17. Screen 17 of 20 Unit: Food Security Information Systems and Networks Food Security Information Systems Here is an example of an FSIS that provides information relevant to programme design and implementation. Example: Early Warning Systems Recommendations on recovery or rehabilitation interventions that rebuild livelihoods and food security. An Early Warning System (EWS) is a specific type of FSIS which provides timely notice of impending acute food security crises. Depending on the stage of the crisis, the EWS may provide recommendations: In ‘normal’ conditions As a crisis builds As the crisis abates Recommendations on how to build the coping capacity and resilience of communities before a ‘shock’ occurs. Recommendations on preparedness and possible disaster mitigation or emergency response programmes. COMMUNICATION, USERS, APPLICATIONS
- 18. Screen 18 of 20 Unit: Food Security Information Systems and Networks Food Security Information Systems FSIS also have an important role in assisting policy makers. FSIS can support the various steps of a policy making process. MONITORING & IMPACT ASSESSMENT POLICY IMPLEMENTATION POLICY DIALOGUE / REVIEW ANALYSIS OF POLICY OPTIONS Policy Change Cycle COMMUNICATION, USERS, APPLICATIONS For more information, read the annex “Stakeholder Analysis” In a number of countries, improved information has led to the introduction of new legislation and specific programmes directed towards food-insecure population groups.
- 19. Screen 19 of 20 Unit: Food Security Information Systems and Networks Food Security Information Systems SUMMARY To support decision making, food security analysts in charge of Food Security Information Systems conduct the following activities: • They collect and manage data which consists of unanalyzed facts or figures; data is collected either directly or from secondary sources. • The data is analyzed and interpreted to create information designed to stimulate action. • This information is disseminated and communicated to users. These users may be located in different organizations and appropriate institutional relationships are needed. • When assimilated by decision makers and implemented, the information becomes knowledge.
- 20. Screen 20 of 20 Unit: Food Security Information Systems and Networks Food Security Information Systems At the end of this lesson you will be able to: understand the main objectives of a food security information system (FSIS); understand how key components of food security information systems support decision making processes; understand the main purposes for which food security analysis is conducted; and identify the main users of and applications for food security information products. LEARNING OBJECTIVES