SECTION ONE

Number of items of the food basket available in local market

Definition/RATION/ALE

Understanding the number of food items available from the accepted food basket provides information on food availability and market functionality. The indicator also provides insight into the viability of a cash based intervention.

Methodology for collection – How to collect information for indicator (max 4 lines).

  • • Prior to data collection, use local experts and cash partners to create a list of core food items to monitor.
  • • Create a standardized list of the food items to be monitored, including the unit size, ensuring comparability across markets and collection periods.
  • • Data should be collected from up to four different retail traders in the target market and on a monthly basis, ideally from the same traders each month.

Methodology for analysis – How to analyse (Max 4 lines)

  • • To calculate the percentage of food items available, divide the number of food items currently available in the market and divide by the total number of food items in the agreed upon basket.
  • • Account for primary versus secondary markets
  • • Trend analysis allows for understanding fluctuations in food item availability in markets

Notes on indicator –
What does the indicator not tell us.
How long is it reliable for?

  • • The indicator does not provide information financial access to food items
  • • The indicator does not provide information on consumer preferences
  • • Complementary supply route analysis can provide insight on risk of supply bottlenecks
  • • The data is valid for monthly or quarterly basis, depending on how volatile market supplies are.

When to use it/when not to use it:

  • • To monitor changes in market supplies, particularly after an economic shock or seasonal changes in trade routes
  • • Data should be collected during different seasons and after the onset of a shock, such as flooding or insecurity.

Core: Y/N

No

IPC Categories:

Contributing Factor

M&E: IMPACT, OUTCOME, OUTPUT, PROCESS

Outcome

Recall?

7 days

Link to Guidance