Abstract:
The Famine Early Warning System (FEWS) provides the infrastructure for African
countries and regional organizations to manage risk of food insecurity through
the provision of timely and analytical early warning and vulnerability
information. FEWS is a USAID-funded activity that collaborates with
international, national, and regional partners to provide timely and rigorous
early warning and
... vulnerability information on emerging or evolving food
security issues.
FEWS professionals in the US and Africa monitor various data and
information including remotely sensed data and ground-based meteorological,
crop and rangeland conditions as early indications of potential threats to food
security.
The Role of FEWS In Preventing Famines:
-It identifies specific, acute food security threats that can lead to
increases in acute malnutrition, morbidity and mortality, especially among
vulnerable groups.
-It monitors and facilitates timely access to information, such as crop
assessments and malnutrition rates, required by public and private decision
makers.
-It recommends and advocates early, preventive actions which are critical
to stopping famines before they develop.
-It provides regular informational assessments to decision makers that
reflect the best judgement of the food security community. (Note: early
consensus on the possible parameters of an impending food crisis gives key
decision-makers the confidence to commit resources early on to mitigate
famine).
-It disseminates timely and accurate information to the general public and
media about food security conditions. This reporting helps strengthen
accountability, supports the involvement of civil society and engenders
sustainable community action toward famine prevention.
[Summary provided by FEWS NET.] 
