GSS and WFP launched Ghana’s mVAM Food Insecurity Report in Accra, showcasing a real-time data innovation to guide evidence-based food security decisions.
The Ghana Statistical Service in partnership with the World Food Programme has launched the Mobile Vulnerability Analysis Mapping (mVAM) Survey- Food Insecurity Report on Ghana in Accra. The development of the mVAM innovation was made possible with funding from Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme (GAFSP) and the Government of the Republic of Korea through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA). The event brought together representatives from the Ghana Statistical Service, World Food Programme, KOICA, Government agencies, development partners, academia and general public.
Speaking at the launch, the Government Statistician, Dr Alhassan Iddrisu, stated that the Mobile Vulnerability Analysis Mapping (mVAM) is an innovation that allows for real time data collection, processing and storage that enables evidence-based decision making on food security.
He said “Ghana is navigating a difficult food insecurity environment which affects what families eat, how often they eat, and the choices they are forced to make. These shocks do not affect everyone equally and to respond effectively, we need data that is timely, precise and actionable. That is why the Ghana Statistical Service in collaboration with World Food Programme and our partners implemented the mVAM survey.”
The Representative and Country Director of the World Food, Ms. Aurore Rusiga noted that the mVAM is not just a technical tool but the result of strong collaboration and deliberate capacity strengthening by the World Food Programme to promote national ownership of operating and managing a remote mobile food security monitoring system. Adding that the data is collected, stored, processed and analyzed by the Ghana Statistical Service.
“Our partnership demonstrates the benefits of working together across institutions, combining the technical expertise of our institutions with innovative approaches to data collection. By doing so, we strengthen nationally owned data systems while ensuring that the information generated is practical, credible, and policy‑relevant.” Ms. Aurore Rusiga said. She thanked the Global Agriculture and Food Security Programme (GAFSP) and KOICA for funding the mVAM innovation.
The Country Director of KOICA, Donghyun Lee, stated that KOICA is happy to see that the mVAM will help provide evidence for critical decision-making that will help improve the lives of people in Ghana and KOICA will continue support initiatives that address challenges in Ghana.
The launch of the Food Insecurity Vulnerability Report underscores the growing importance of data-driven solutions in tackling Ghana’s food security challenges. With real-time insights from the mVAM system, policymakers and partners are expected to make more informed decisions to support vulnerable households across the country.
Source: UNinGhana
