Improving Food Security Early Warning Systems for East and Southern Africa

An assessment of food security early warning systems (EWSs) was conducted to improve food security and resilience in East and Southern Africa (ESA). The study aimed at assessing challenges and opportunities for improving food security EWSs for enhanced resilience in ESA. The performance and capacity of EWSs at the regional economic cooperation level and at select member states were assessed. The challenges that recur across the regional economic communities (RECs) and member states fall into institutional, technical, and sustainability and financial challenges. Actions required to overcome the challenges include: developing and strengthening the food security information system; strengthening of the EWS legal, regulatory, and institutional frameworks; investing in technical capacity development; mainstreaming EWS into agricultural and food security policies, budgetary allocations, and planning frameworks; and support the development of tools to support vulnerable households and communities.