Posted June 2001
India - improving information on the vulnerable and food-insecure
|
Title: Inter-Agency Working Group on Food Security and Rural Development and Nutrition (IAWG) |
The main focus of the Group (chaired by FAO and WFP) is food security and nutrition - particularly at the household and community level. The Group has coordinated the soon-to-be published UN Common Position Paper on Nutrition (awaiting clearance from the UN Resident Coordinator). The Group has also played an important role in the UN Disaster Management Team (DMT) in assessing food and nutrition problems in the state of Orissa after the super cyclone: WFP assessed the scope of food and nutrition insecurity, while FAO studied the extent of damage the agriculture sector suffered due to the cyclone. When ready, these reports will serve as guidelines for further Group action in medium and long-term rehabilitation programmes.
A document entitled, "The Development of FIVIMS in India" was prepared in 2000 and contains an inventory of national information, data and mapping sources, preliminary identification of food security, health and nutrition indicators, institutional arrangements and a stepwise action plan for the establishment of a national Food Insecurity and Vulnerability Information and Mapping Systems (FIVIMS). The Group presented the report on FIVIMS to Thematic Group members and other interested stakeholders and it is to be submitted to the Government of India for approval.
For further information, visit the UN India Country Team Website or contact: FAO-IND@field.fao.org