In 2020, several humanitarian agencies issued warnings of worsening food security in countries around the world and raised the possibility of potential famines unless quick action was taken to counter the effects of conflict, climate-related shocks, and the economic and other effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. The list of countries frequently cited was diverse, including Burkina Faso, Nigeria, South Sudan and Yemen. The term ‘risk of famine’ was used to describe different countries and contexts without standardised criteria or analysis, raising concerns within the humanitarian community. As a result, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Global Support Unit (IPC GSU) was approached by partners to develop standards for assessment and communication of a Risk of Famine (RoF). The IPC GSU and partners agreed to work on the issue and a series of pilot analyses were planned to test a new guidance note for conducting risk of famine pilots, drafted in late 2020.

It was agreed to pilot the guidance in a few countries, followed by a review process focusing on analysing lessons learned and feedback received during the piloting period. The results of the review are expected to inform the revision of the draft guidance on RoF analysis and communication before a full roll-out of the RoF guidance and process. This report includes the key findings of the review process, including recommendations for different aspects of IPC RoF analysis.