Module 1: Introduction to Early Warning Systems and Food Security

• Defining early warning systems (EWS) and their purpose.
• The humanitarian-development-peace nexus in food security.
• Key components of an effective EWS: Monitoring, analysis, communication, response.
• The role of EWS in preventing and mitigating food crises.
• Ethical considerations in early warning.
• Practical session: Analyzing a recent food security crisis and identifying if an early warning system could have mitigated its impact.

Module 2: Understanding Food Security Information Systems

• Overview of major global and regional food security information systems (e.g., FEWS NET, IPC, GIEWS).
• Data flows and information architecture in food security monitoring.
• The role of national food security information units.
• Challenges in data collection and information management.
• Integrating diverse data sources for a comprehensive picture.
• Practical session: Navigating and interpreting key data from a major global food security information platform (e.g., FEWS NET website).

Module 3: Data Collection and Indicators for Early Warning

• Types of data used in early warning: Qualitative, quantitative, spatial.
• Key food security indicators: Food consumption, livelihood coping, nutrition status, mortality.
• Remote sensing data for agricultural monitoring (NDVI, rainfall estimates).
• Household surveys and rapid assessments for vulnerability.
• Participatory data collection methods at the community level.
• Practical session: Reviewing a set of food security indicators and discussing their strengths and weaknesses for early warning.

Module 4: Climate and Environmental Monitoring for Food Security

• Climate variability and change impacts on agriculture and food systems.
• Rainfall estimation and drought monitoring techniques (e.g., satellite imagery, rainfall stations).
• Vegetation indices and agricultural production forecasting.
• El Niño/La Niña and other climate phenomena and their food security implications.
• Integrating climate models into early warning.
• Practical session: Interpreting rainfall anomaly maps and vegetation health index data to identify potential areas of concern.

Module 5: Market and Economic Analysis for Food Security

• Role of markets in food access and availability.
• Market price monitoring and analysis for staple foods.
• Terms of trade and purchasing power analysis.
• Supply and demand dynamics in food markets.
• Cross-border trade and regional market integration.
• Practical session: Analyzing basic market price data for a staple food and identifying trends or anomalies.

Module 6: Conflict, Displacement, and Food Security Linkages

• The nexus between conflict, violence, and food insecurity.
• Impact of displacement (IDPs, refugees) on food access and livelihoods.
• Disruption of agricultural production and supply chains in conflict zones.
• Humanitarian access challenges in insecure environments.
• Early warning indicators for conflict-induced food insecurity.
• Practical session: Discussion on how conflict directly and indirectly impacts the four pillars of food security in a given scenario.

Module 7: Information Analysis and Interpretation for Early Warning

• Synthesizing data from multiple sources to create a coherent picture.
• IPC (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification) framework and application.
• Trend analysis and forecasting methodologies.
• Scenario development for potential future food security outcomes.
• Uncertainty and confidence levels in early warning analysis.
• Practical session: Working in groups to apply the IPC framework to a hypothetical food security situation.

Module 8: Communication and Dissemination of Early Warning Information

• Principles of effective risk communication.
• Tailoring messages for different audiences: Policymakers, humanitarian actors, affected communities.
• Channels for dissemination: Reports, briefings, alerts, community radio.
• Visualizing data effectively: Maps, charts, infographics.
• The role of feedback mechanisms in EWS.
• Practical session: Developing a short early warning message/brief for a specific audience based on a given analytical scenario.

Module 9: Linking Early Warning to Early Action

• Defining early action and its benefits.
• Triggers for early action and response protocols.
• Pre-arranged financing mechanisms for anticipatory action.
• Coordination mechanisms between early warning actors and responders.
• Challenges and lessons learned in translating warning into action.
• Practical session: Brainstorming potential early actions for a specific early warning alert (e.g., impending drought).

Module 10: Developing and Strengthening Early Warning Systems

• Assessing the capacity of existing early warning systems.
• Identifying gaps and opportunities for improvement.
• Stakeholder engagement in EWS design and implementation.
• Capacity building for national and local actors.
• Sustainability of early warning initiatives.
• Practical session: Outlining key steps and considerations for strengthening an early warning system in a given context.

Requirements:

·       Participants should be reasonably proficient in English.

·       Applicants must live up to Armstrong Global Institute admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free

2. What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.

3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.

4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.

5. Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training.

Or call us on +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

1. Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Armstrong Global Training & Development Center Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.

2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.

3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.

2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.

3. No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Tailor Made Courses

This training course can also be customized for your institution upon request for a minimum of 5 participants. You can have it conducted at our Training Centre or at a convenient location. For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588 or Email training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

Accommodation and Airport Transfer is arranged upon request and at extra cost. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@armstrongglobalinstitute.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254725012095 / +254724452588