Why in the News?

The United Nations has officially declared a famine in Gaza based on an Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) panel assessment.

About Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC):

• What It Is: A global standard tool to assess and classify the severity of food insecurity.
• Established: In 2004 during the Somalia food crisis by FEWS NET (Famine Early Warning Systems Network) and partners.
• Coordination: Led by the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
• Purpose: Supports early warning, evidence-based decision-making, and coordinated response by governments, UN agencies, NGOs, and donors.
• Partnership Model: Combines efforts of UN bodies, NGOs, academic institutions, and national governments.

Key Features of the IPC:

• Five-Phase Classification System:
  • Phase 1: Minimal
  • Phase 2: Stressed
  • Phase 3: Crisis
  • Phase 4: Emergency
  • Phase 5: Catastrophe/Famine
• Methodology:
  • Uses convergence of evidence from food access, livelihoods, nutrition, and mortality.
  • Requires technical consensus among analysts for transparency and accuracy.
  • Allows real-time assessments and 6-month forecasts to support timely action.

What is Famine and How is it Declared?

• Definition: IPC Phase 5 – the most extreme level of food insecurity.
• Criteria (All Must Be Met):
  • At least 20% of households face extreme food gaps.
  • At least 30% of children under five suffer acute malnutrition (wasting).
  • Death rate: 2 adults or 4 children per 10,000 people per day.
• Declaration: Made by UN agencies, national governments, or authorized global bodies.
• Purpose of Declaration:
  • Mobilize international aid and emergency operations.
  • Trigger food, health, and logistics support.
  • Raise global awareness and funding for urgent interventions.
• Past Declarations:  Somalia (2011), South Sudan (2017, 2020), Darfur, Sudan (2024)

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