Consultative conference on the food security information network (FSIN)

In September 2010, the European Commission hosted a symposium in Brussels to draw lessons from recent information systems for food security (ISFS), particularly with respect to institutional, organisational, financial, and coordination issues. During this symposium, a broad consensus emerged on the need to improve capacity and institution building assistance at country and regional levels. It was acknowledged that a useful approach would be the establishment of a network of ISFS stakeholders. A Committee, comprised of members from FAO, IFPRI and WFP was established to define the way forward.

As a follow-up to the Symposium, FAO hosted a Consultative Conference on the food security information network (FSIN) in September 2011, in Nairobi. The main objective of the Conference was to test the concept and design of FSIN with relevant stakeholders and to see if it could meet their needs and fill the information and analysis gaps at country, regional and global levels. A large attendance of stakeholders gathered for the Conference, including from country food security information systems (e.g. MUCHALI, SIFSIA, SETSAN), from regional organisations (e.g. SADC, COMESA ASEAN, SICA), from the donor community (e.g. France, European Commission, Germany and the USA) and from various agencies (e.g. NEPAD/CAADP, CGIAR, FEWSNET, UNICEF).

The stakeholders agreed that a new, coordinated approach was needed, and supported the broad design of the FSIN. The stakeholders agreed on the working principles and organisational arrangements and overall endorsed the concept of the FSIN. However a number of concerns and issues were expressed regarding the design, transparency and implementation of the FSIN. It was agreed that these points would need to be further clarified in order to increase the effectiveness and relevance of the FSIN, as well as its long term sustainability. A summary note was elaborated with specific issues raised during the consultative Conference.