The European Union and the United Nations World Food Programme have handed over a food security monitoring system to the Nepal government.

The Nepal Food Security Monitoring System, or NeKSAP, was established in 2009 with the aim of collecting and analysing food security information to help authorities take action to prevent human suffering due to food insecurity.

NeKSAP, which is jointly operated by the Ministry of Agricultural Development and the WFP under the guidance of the National Planning Commission and with support from the EU, was built on a food security monitoring system established by the WFP in 2002.

“Decision-makers need accurate, timely information in order to determine how best to react to threats to food security at the local level. NeKSAP can provide that information,” said Pippa Bradford, WFP Representative and Country Director in Nepal, during the handover ceremony on Monday.

The system will benefit a large section of the Nepali population by enabling timely interventions by the government and relief agencies during the times of crisis.

“Food security is essential for a dignified life.  NeKSAP records relevant data and information across the country to address food insecurity. After the big earthquakes last year, NeKSAP intelligence helped to rapidly get vital information for rescue and humanitarian assistance,” said Andreas Roettger, head of cooperation, European Union Delegation in Nepal.

“Over the past four years, NeKSAP has been institutionalised to enhance the Government of Nepal’s ability to monitor, analyse and communicate about the food security situation in the country, and to use this information to design, plan, and implement evidence-based food security policies and programmes,” said Uttam Kumar Bhattarai, secretary at the ministry.