Abstract

GIS and Remote Sensing for vulnerability analysis in the UN-WFP
Track: Aid and Development
Authors: Andrea Amparore

Geographic Information Systems have become an invaluable tool in both the prevention of natural disasters and the coordination of response operations. The World Food Programme (WFP) is the United Nations humanitarian organization responsible for the rapid intervention and long-term assistance in the event of a food crisis. The GIS unit actively supports various humanitarian emergencies. Floods, droughts, cyclones and socio-political events are typical examples of situations WFP faces with the support of GIS. In particular, GIS analysts of the Emergency and Preparedness Division have developed a methodology for evaluating the vulnerability of food insecure populations living in areas prone to natural hazards. This analysis considers many factors: soil deterioration, deforestation, food security and malnutrition, historical occurrence cyclones and floods. Satellite images are also analysed to identify poor growing seasons and years of low crop productions. The findings are crucial in the design of the strategies for WFP's future interventions.