The work of VAM, the Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping branch.

 WFP leads the fight against hunger on many different fronts. The front line is sometimes an emergency setting such as a war or a natural disaster. However, the setting is often far less dramatic, but equally urgent: grinding poverty or recurring drought.

To provide an appropriate humanitarian and longer-term response to complex food crises or chronic hunger triggered by poverty, WFP needs continually to monitor and understand the food security situation of populations and assess their vulnerability to events that could propel them into the vicious circle of hunger.

VAM enables WFP and partners to draw a full picture of who is at risk of hunger and malnutrition and to provide solutions, whether through food aid or other forms of assistance.

What does VAM do?

VAM undertakes in-depth assessments to understand the nature of food insecurity and the risks to livelihoods and monitors emerging food security problems.

VAM’s analyses support WFP decision-making at key points in the design and management of emergency and development programmes. The information is crucial for targeting the poorest and the most food insecure people in the world.

VAM uses a wide array of technological sources and analytical methods: satellite imagery and spatial analysis, monitoring of food prices in local markets, exhaustive household surveys and discussions with members of poor and food-insecure households.

VAM works in close collaboration with many partners worldwide. All activities are implemented jointly with governments, UN agencies such as FAO, UNICEF, WHO, local and international NGOs, universities and the private sector. These partnerships ensure a shared understanding of food security problems and common priorities for action.