Integrated food security phase classification. Technical manual

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. An updated version of the IPC Technical Manual has been published in July 2008. Based on lessons learned from applying the IPC in the field, the revised manual includes structural changes to the phase classifications. It also gives further clarifications on how and when to conduct an IPC exercise, how to make the best use of IPC supporting tools. Revisions include changing the name from the 'Integrated Food Security and Humanitarian Phase Classification' to the 'Integrated Food Security Phase Classification'.