Text-only version
IPC Integrated Food Security Phase Classification
Lesson: Communicating for Action
Version 2.0
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IPC Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Communicating for action
Text-only version © FAO 2015
1
In this lesson
LEARNING OBJECTIVES .................................................................................................................................................. 2
INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................................. 2
WHERE YOU ARE IN THE IPC PACKAGE .......................................................................................................................... 2
THE IPC COMMUNICATION TOOL .................................................................................................................................. 3
PART 1 - PROCEDURES ................................................................................................................................................... 6
MAPPING PROTOCOLS ................................................................................................................................................... 7
PART 2 – PROCEDURES .................................................................................................................................................. 8
PART 3 AND PART 4 – PROCEDURES .............................................................................................................................. 9
GENERAL PROCEDURES ............................................................................................................................................... 10
COMMUNICATION APPROACH IN IPC ......................................................................................................................... 11
SUMMARY ................................................................................................................................................................... 12
IPC Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Communicating for action
Text-only version © FAO 2015
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LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson, you will be able to:
• describe the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) communication template;
• identify the IPC mapping protocols; and
• understand the active communication approach in IPC.
INTRODUCTION
No matter how well food security analysis is done, if it is not communicated effectively it is not likely to
inform decisions or lead to mitigating food insecurity. Therefore, it is essential that communication is
considered an integral part of food security analysis itself.
In this lesson you will learn about the importance of communicating IPC analysis to decision-makers.
You will review the communication approach in IPC and, in particular, the key parameters and
procedures (the mapping protocols) to complete the four parts of the IPC communication template.
WHERE YOU ARE IN THE IPC PACKAGE
Func
tions
Building Technical
Consensus
Classifying Severity and Causes
Communicating
for Action
Quality
Assurance
Tool
s
TWG MATRIX
ANALYTIC
FRAMEWORKS REFERENCES ANALYSIS
WORKSHEETS
COMMUNICATION
TEMPLATE
SELF ASSESSMENT
PEER REVIEW
Proc
edur
es fo
r
Multi-agency
stakeholders to
do
collaborative
analysis
Understanding
evidence with
an integrated
Analytical
Framework
Referencing
evidence
against
international
standards
Transparently,
methodically
and
consensually
analysing
evidence
Transforming
analyses into concise
information for action
Assuring
quality
IPC Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Communicating for action
Text-only version © FAO 2015
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WHY IS COMMUNICATING IPC ANALYSIS IMPORTANT?
Fatma and Alovat, our IPC researchers, are discussing the outcomes of the recent IPC analysis.
“According to our recent IPC assessment, the food security situation of the country remains critical in
some areas for a variety of causes that we have investigated in detail. “ - Alovat
“At this stage, decision-makers need to be informed rapidly about this situation.”- Fatma
Food security analysis is inherently challenging with respect to data sources, methodologies, varying
types of hazards, different livelihood systems and multiple stakeholder institutions. Given this
complexity, once an IPC assessment has been completed, a range of information is classified and
available in a consistent and standardized way.
This information needs to be communicated. The purpose of communicating for action is to provide the
main stakeholders with the key data and information provided by an IPC analysis in a consistent,
accessible and timely manner, including answers to the following questions:
Who are the food insecure?
When will people be food insecure?
Why are people food insecure?
How severe is the situation?
Where are the areas that are food insecure?
How many people are food insecure?
THE IPC COMMUNICATION TOOL
The IPC enables communicating for action by using maps, charts, tables and text, all included in a
standardized communication template. This template is composed of four parts:
Part 1 graphically presents key information on situation analysis
Part 2 is based on a narrative presentation of additional information.
Part 3 shows the population table.
Part 4 includes sections A, B and C of the Analysis Worksheets.
IPC Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Communicating for action
Text-only version © FAO 2015
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IPC Information Support System (ISS)
The communication template can be also done online using the ISS application.
The ISS is a Web-based application that has been designed to facilitate global, regional and national
stakeholders in creating, storing, and disseminating IPC analyses and information. To know more about
ISS see Lesson ‘Introduction’.
PART 1
Part 1 includes graphics, maps and summary findings that condense key conclusions in a visually
accessible manner. Top of the template:
The overall number of people
classified in various phases.
The key outcomes
for the worst-
affected area.
A narrative
summary of
causes, context
and key issues.
(name of area) Food composition:
Over 40% of household have
extreme food consumption gaps.
……….
[Example text] three successive years of drought combined with high food prices area immediate causes of famine conditions in the north….
The central area of the template:
A map showing areas classified in various phases using a standardized colour scheme;
Call-out boxes for any areas
that are phases 3, 4 or 5 with additional information specific to those areas;
The identification of participating agencies.
IPC Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Communicating for action
Text-only version © FAO 2015
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PART 2
Part 2 is based on a narrative presentation of additional information, including:
Key findings and issues.
Methods, processes and key issues;
Food security seasonal calendar and monitoring implications.
Recommendations for next steps in analysis and decision-making.
PART 3
Part 3 shows population tables to identify how many people are food insecure by administrative unit.
Part 3: Population Tables
Detailed Population Table (insert a detailed population table merging the population tables of all areas. Levels of reporting should be the lowest administration unit subdivided by household food security situation groups when applicable).
Phase1 Phase2 Phase3 Phase4 Phase5
PART 4
Part 4 includes sections A, B and C from Analysis Worksheets for all areas classified, to demonstrate that
the conclusions are evidence-based and to provide more detailed information on each area analysed.
Analysis worksheet Part 4
The Analysis Worksheets are described in detail in Lesson 8, “IPC Classification
Procedures Overview” of this course.
IPC Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Communicating for action
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PART 1 - PROCEDURES
To fill in part 1 of the template:
Define area, temporal unit, date and validity.
Aggregate percentage and number of people in each phase for all areas analysed.
Note the location of the worst-affected area and indicate key outcomes for it (quantified indicators or narrative descriptions).
Add a summary of key information, including any gender aspects of the analysis.
Then, to present information in a visually accessible manner:
Insert a map and complete additional information components. Insert collaborating agencies and contact information.
IPC Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Communicating for action
Text-only version © FAO 2015
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MAPPING PROTOCOLS
To create a map showing the IPC classifications for various areas of analysis, use the colour scheme
indicated on the template and specific RGB colour codes. Area mapped is the worst off that has at least
20% of population (20% rule).
Phases RGB colour codes 205, 250, 205
250, 230, 030
230, 120, 000
200, 000, 000
100, 000, 000
The symbols detailed below are added on the map to provide additional information. These include:
Areas in white reflect areas that are not included in the analysis. These might be areas that were never intended to be analysed.
Areas in grey are the ones that do not meet the criteria for minimum evidence. These areas a not classified and are mapped using a grey colour.
The Exclamation mark indicates that an area would likely be at least one phase lower without humanitarian assistance. For more on how to deal with humanitarian assistance information in IPC see Lesson 8 (IPC Classification Procedures Overview), Step 6.
Stars show confidence level of analysis: acceptable (one star), medium (two stars), high (three stars). «Confidence level» is described in detail in Lesson 8 (IPC Classification Procedures Overview), Steps 4 and 5.
A triangle indicates that an area has reached phase 3, 4 or 5 for more than three consecutive years.
Numbers in boxes show the chronic food insecurity level (if available): 1 (not chronically food insecure), 2 (mild), 3 (moderate), 4 (severe). Chronic food insecurity is illustrated in Lesson 4 (IPC Analytical Approach and Overview of Tools).
!
1
IPC Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Communicating for action
Text-only version © FAO 2015
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HOUSEHOLD GROUP AND AREA
One template should be filled in for areas only and one for areas and household groups.
Communication Template (Area Only) Communication Template (HH Groups & Area )
For area and household group templates, mapping protocols are the same as for the area only template, plus they show the different household group classifications.
The household group and area template
In the boxes of the household group and area communication template:
• the bar graph is used to indicate the percentage of people in each phase for the area;
• the numbers above the graph show the number and the percentage of people in phases 3, 4 and 5.
210,000 (82%)
PART 2 – PROCEDURES
To complete part 2 of the IPC communication template, add a brief statement for each of the following
boxes.
Key findings and issues -Describe key findings, conclusions and issues that will inform response.
Food security seasonal calendar -Insert or describe the seasonal calendar and identify key
monitoring activities.
Methods and processes - Describe methodological approach and process, assumptions, and
limitations.
Recommendations for next steps - Insert recommendations for the next analytical and decision-
making activities.
IPC Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Communicating for action
Text-only version © FAO 2015
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PART 3 AND PART 4 – PROCEDURES
Finally, to complete the communication template:
Fill in Part 3, which shows population tables to identify how many people are food insecure by
administrative unit.
Fill in Part 4 to demonstrate that the conclusions are evidence-based and to provide more detailed
information on each area analysed.
Part 3: Insert a population table at the lowest administrative unit possible showing the phase classification numbers and percentages. Figures are drawn from steps 4 and 5 of analysis worksheets and must be converted to administrative zones.
Part 4: Insert sections A, B and C of each analysis worksheet. This part includes more specific information on each analysis area. Note: It is always used as an annex.
Example: The IPC communication template
The IPC assessment in Insecuristan has been completed. The communication template will be
presented tomorrow in a press conference to the major national and international stakeholders.
Fatma and Alovat are reviewing the final details of the template.
Alovat “Key figures are
reported in the left-hand column
of the box. They show the
number and the percentage of
the population for each phase.
Data related to the worst
affected area indicate the food
security situation. The main causes of this situation are summarized in the right-hand column.“
IPC Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Communicating for action
Text-only version © FAO 2015
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Fatma “All areas have been covered by the
analysis and classified. Areas in green are
classified as phase 1. The remaining areas are
classified as phase 2. The assessment was based
on reliable data sources with acceptable or high
levels of confidence (2 or 3 stars). ”
At a closer look at part 1, we can get relevant information on the following issues:
Who are the food insecure? How many are the food insecure?
When are/will people be food insecure? How severe is the situation?
Where are the food insecure? Why are people food insecure?
Who is responsible for the analysis?
Alovat “Then, part 2 provides a summmary of findings, methods and recommendations for next
steps. In part 3, population tables show how many people are classified in phases 1, 2 and 3 for each
area. Part 4 has been included as an annex and provide more detailed information on each area
analysed.“
Review some examples of the IPC Communication template: www.ipcinfo.org/ipc-maps/en/
GENERAL PROCEDURES
Separate communication templates should be prepared for current and projected analyses. Indicate at
the top of the template the date the analysis was completed and the date of validity of the analysis.
For current analysis the “created on” date may be the same as the completion date.
Valid on: 16/02/20XX
Created on : 16/02/20XX
For projected analysis the “valid for” date may be a specific date or a time period for
which the analysis is valid.
IPC Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Communicating for action
Text-only version © FAO 2015
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Only areas which meet the criteria for Acceptable Confidence should be classified.
The minimum evidence base for classification of the current situation is:
At least 4 pieces of reliable
evidence from different
contributing factors or
outcome elements.
At least 1 piece of reliable
evidence for any of the food
security outcomes.
The minimum evidence base for classification of the projected situation is: At least 4 pieces of reliable
evidence from different contributing factors or outcome elements.
COMMUNICATION APPROACH IN IPC
Effectively linking the IPC to decision support is strengthened with an overall communication strategy
that identifies
Targeted audience(s);
The appropriate time to issue the analysis according to when/how decisions are made;
The appropriate medium for distributing the communication template (e.g. e-mail, Web);
Arrangements for presentations at strategic fora.
IPC aims for active communication.
Before the analysis During the analysis After the analysis
Ensure that analysis
is done at the strategic
time for decision
support.
Create a
communication plan,
including the format,
medium and audience.
Complete the
communication template.
Disseminate the IPC
communication template.
Engage decision-makers
actively on implications of IPC
analysis for response.
Evaluate your communication
activities.
IPC Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Communicating for action
Text-only version © FAO 2015
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SUMMARY
The purpose of communicating for action is to convey core aspects of situation analysis in a consistent,
accessible and timely manner.
The IPC enables communicating for action by using maps, charts, tables and text in a standardized
communication template to present and describe those core aspects.
The IPC communication template summarizes the core aspects of the situation analysis. It features:
• an IPC map;
• a summary of key findings, issues, methods and recommendations for next steps;
• population tables;
• core sections of the analysis worksheets.
The IPC communication template is only a tool that should be completed and disseminated to all
stakeholders. An overall communication strategy is needed for active and effective linking of IPC to
decision support.