Integrated Food Security Phase Classification

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) is an innovative tool for improving food security analysis and decision-making.

It is a standardised scale that integrates food security, nutrition and livelihood information into a clear statement about the nature and severity of a crisis and implications for strategic response.

The IPC was originally developed for use in Somalia by FAO’s Food Security Analysis Unit (FSAU). Several national governments and international agencies are now working together to adapt it to other food security contexts, in the greater Horn of Africa region and beyond.

The IPC is... - A tool for classifying the severity of food security situations - A « forum » for reaching technical consensus - A framework for situation analysis - which can be adapted to different food security contexts

The IPC is not... - An independent, stand alone information system – but an ‘add-on’ to existing information systems - A methodology – it builds on several methodologies and approaches - A response protocol – it is primarily a tool for situational analysis, although it includes a strategic response framework

Integrated Food Security and Humanitarian Phase Classification: Technical Manual (Version 1)