Last December I took part to the Food Security Cluster Information Management Tool Training, organized by the global Food Security Cluster (gFSC).
This was the second training hosted by the gFSC and it built on recommendations and lessons learned from the pilot training which took place in Rome in July 2014. The training focused on teaching participants about core IM concepts, what the FSC IM Tool is and how it can facilitate the FSC IM process.
Information Management is one of the core Food Security Cluster functions. Recognizing the need for the country-level Food Security Clusters to take a holistic approach to data collection and sharing, the gFSC has been developing a web-based IM tool for cluster systems and partners to use to collect, analyse and report on food security responses.
While the IM tool will make data collection, processing and response analysis globally comparable, it is flexible enough to be able to be tailored to different country contexts. By producing standard reports and maps the IM tool can help in visualizing gaps and overlaps of partner responses, and ultimately help in avoiding duplication of humanitarian assistance, especially considering issues of food availability, access and utilization. Consistent information sharing by partners will facilitate project tracking and monitoring, and ultimately result in evidence based decision making for strategic intervention and improved implementation. Furthermore, use of the IM tool will enhance the dissemination of timely and accurate information for advocacy efforts by clusters.
My interest was mainly in understanding what kind of data is collected during emergencies and how we can use that data in order to communicate effectively about acrisis. I see great potentialities in this data if well managed.
talk-share-learn 