Food Security Area Classification Data

Preparing food security area classification data

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) data template allows multiple Data Collections to be created from one upload. Acute Food Insecurity Classification (AFIC), Humanitarian Food Assistance (HFA) and Internally Displaced People (IDP) data should be entered on separate tabs in the same Excel document, with AFIC data on the first tab. FDW automatically creates separate Data Collections for AFIC and HFA data when you upload the file using the Add a new Data Collection and Offline Data Upload options.

The first month in the data collection period includes the CS (current situation), ML (near term projection of three months), ML2 (medium term projection of six months). The outlook collection date is the first date from the current state through four months. A new collection date begins after four months.

Internal data

Separate Source Documents designated as FEWS NET/USG Only with must exist in FDW before internal data is uploaded. The naming convention for these Source Documents is [Report type] (FEWS NET/USG Only), [Country].

When preparing a file for internal IPC data, ensure the column headings specify that the data is internal (for example, FSO Internal rather than FSO). This is necessary for FDW to determine the correct Source Document to use for the data.

Remote monitoring data

Data for all remote monitoring (RM) countries are included on the RM data template. Remote monitoring data cannot be uploaded unless mapping data is filled in for all countries listed in the sheet. This file should not be uploaded for individual countries.  

Uploading food security area classification data

The options for uploading data using the Add a new Data Collection, Offline Data Uploads, and Import Acute Food Insecurity Phases screens are described below.

Add a new Data Collection

Use Add a new Data Collection when uploading a small number of data collections as it provides immediate feedback on the success of the upload.

To access the Add a new Data Collection screen, go to Data Entry > Add a new Data Collection (manually or by uploading a file).

Complete the following steps:

1. Source Document: Select the Source Document that matches the data to be uploaded. For example, when uploading November 2025 data, you will select the Key Message Update Source Document for that country.

2. Document_type: The field will pre-populate after the Source Document upload.

3. Collection Date: Use the first date of the report month. For example, 2025-10-01 for the October 2025 FSO, and 2025-11-01 for the November 2025 KMU.

4. File: Select the completed template for that country and month.

5. Select Save.

   1. Save will populate the data uploaded with each numerical value representing one data point. 

After the upload successfully completes, you will see the Humanitarian Food Assistance and Acute Food Insecurity Classification Data Collections listed on the Data Collections screen (Data Processing > Display or edit an existing Data Collection).

Offline Data Uploads

Use Offline Data Uploads when uploading a large number of data collections to save time and protect against errors due to loss of connectivity.

To access the Offline Data Uploads screen, go to Data Entry > Offline Data Uploads and click the Add data upload button.

Complete the following steps:

1. Click Choose File and select the file.

2. Import format: Select the format of the file you have selected.

3. Subtype: Select Acute Food Insecurity Phase.

4. Country: Select the country name.

5. Click Save.

The Offline Data Uploads screen will list the upload with a status of Processing. You will receive an email notifying you of the outcome of your upload. Once successfully uploaded, you will see both the Acute Food Security Phase and Humanitarian Food Assistance uploads listed.

Import acute food insecurity phases

You can use the Dataseries Management module to import Acute Food Insecurity Phase Data Points. Acute Food Insecurity Classification Data Series will be implicitly created when adding the Data Points.

There are several important considerations when using this option:

• You must remain on the page until the upload is confirmed. As this may take several minutes, this method is only recommended for smaller Datasets.

• HFA data cannot be uploaded at the same time as the Acute Food Insecurity Phases. To upload HFA data using this method, go to Data Series management > Data Points > Humanitarian Food Assistance.

To access the Acute Food Insecurity Phase import screen, go to Data Series Management > Data Points > Acute Food Insecurity Phases.

Complete the following steps:

1. Click Import Acute Food Insecurity Phases.

2. Select the file to import and the file format.

3. Click Submit.

The system will check which Collection Periods currently exist in FDW and create ones which do not. The system will also update existing data in FDW if the file contains changes.

Reviewing and publishing food security area classification data

Reviewing and re-uploading data

If you data is in draft status and has not yet been published, you have two options to make corrections:

• Delete the Data Collection and upload the corrected file.

• Upload the corrected file and FDW will edit the existing Data Collection to reflect the changes. Note that the date shown in the Status Changed column only refers to a change in the Data Collection Status in FDW, and not any change to the data itself.

If your data has already been published, make corrections using the following steps:

1. Change the status to Under Review.

2. Re-upload the file.

3. Review the updated data.

4. Republish the Data Collection.

Publishing data

To publish the data:

1. Go to Data Processing > Display or edit an existing Data Collection (including Submit, Review and Publish) and select the Data Collection you just created.

   1. To filter your search, use the available dates at the top of the page and in the Filter dropdown menu select Acute Food Insecurity Classification.

2. Open the Data Collection you just created by clicking the title. Review the Data Collection and Collection Periods added. 

3. To submit the data, click the Submit button. 

4. To publish the data, open the Data Collection again and click the Publish button.

5. If you realize that the Data Collection was not ready for publishing, you can click the Review button to change its status to Under Review.