More efficient use of household consumption and expenditure surveys (HCES) to inform food security

Household Consumption and Expenditure Surveys (HCES) collect comprehensive information on households’ consumption and can provide a range of analyses on access to food. They are key to estimating poverty (SDG 1.2.1) and Prevalence of Undernourishment (SDG 2.1.1). Before the food data becomes meaningful for analysis, it needs extensive preparation. While NSOs are responsible for poverty statistics and typically prepare the data for this purpose, it is often organizations or researchers that use the data for food security. Although the preparation of the data for these two purposes has a lot in common, they rely on different traditions and guidelines. This paper presents results from an ongoing project that aims to bridge the gap between these two processes. The project’s goal is that NSOs take the lead in preparing the HCES food data for all uses. An expected result is that the food security statistics will be available at the same time as the other main outputs from the survey and can be used for planning for improved food security. The project includes preparing a guideline for NSOs and others (endorsed by the United Nations’ Statistical Commission in 2024), building capacity in NSOs, and using results in a regional context.