The Bureau of Statistics has partnered with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to train key personnel from various agencies in analyzing data obtained by the Bureau using the Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES).
Twenty-nine (29) participants from the Bureau, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Agriculture and FAO participated in the training exercise hosted at the Bureau’s Head office in Georgetown from June 20-22, 2023.
FAO developed the FIES to measure the severity of food insecurity at the household and/or individual level in a given population. It is computed using a set of eight questions about experiences related to lack of access to food.
The Bureau incorporated the FIES module in its Labor Force Survey (LFS) conducted in April 2022 and the FAO has supported the agency with training and data analysis geared towards estimating the prevalence of food insecurity. This would enhance the Bureau’s capability for reporting on Guyana’s progress towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal number 2 which speaks to ending hunger by 2030.
Facilitated by the FAO, the capacity building exercise provided participants with a comprehensive understanding of the FIES and SDG Indicator 2.1.2 analysis, including the methodologies, data collection techniques, and interpretation.
Personnel were trained to utilize these tools to assess food insecurity at various level and identify vulnerable populations, which will support evidence-based policies and interventions to combat hunger.
The overarching objective of the training was to introduce the FIES analytic protocol, especially to calculate the prevalence of moderate-severe and severe food insecurity in the context of the Rasch model. The FIES methodology was also presented, as well as the relevance of the information it provides for food security policy.
FAO Country Representative, Dr. Gillian Smith noted that “the training programme aims to bridge the knowledge gap and empower individuals and organizations with the tools and expertise needed to tackle food insecurity effectively.”
Chief Statistician, Mr. Errol La Cruez emphasized the importance of data collection and analysis and the use of FIES and other tools, to enhance monitoring and reporting on the SDGs. He noted that through reporting and analysis on Indicator 2.1.2, targeted solutions can be developed towards eradicating hunger by 2030.
