The Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), in collaboration with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), has launched a four-month nationwide Mobile Vulnerability Analysis and Mapping (mVAM) survey to enhance real-time monitoring of food security across the country.
The initiative, which commenced on October 2, will involve 12,000 targeted household interviews, with each survey round conducted over 30 days per month throughout the project.
Using Computer-Assisted Telephone Interviewing (CATI), the mobile survey will gather geo-referenced data on household food access, nutritional status, and market dynamics. This approach enables trained interviewers to engage directly with households, ensuring accurate and timely information.
“The primary goal of the mVAM Survey is to track changes in food security, identify vulnerable populations, and track market dynamics in real time,” the GSS noted. The insights collected will inform national policy and guide targeted interventions for communities at risk.
Households selected for the survey have been urged to participate actively. “All selected households are urged to actively participate in this important national exercise as your contributions are vital to shaping effective food security programmes,” the agencies emphasized.
Addressing concerns about safety and confidentiality, the GSS reassured the public that “This survey is conducted solely for statistical analysis and policy development, and all responses will be kept strictly confidential.”
They further clarified that “Households are also assured that all calls made as part of the mVAM Survey are completely free of charge.”
Participants have also been cautioned to avoid scams. “GSS interviewers will never ask for money, gifts, or personal banking information,” the statement stressed.
Under the Statistical Service Act, 2019 (Act 1003), the GSS is mandated to provide reliable and timely statistics to support national development, producing key data on economic indicators such as inflation, consumer prices, and GDP, as well as conducting regular censuses and surveys.
The WFP, the world’s largest humanitarian organization focused on food security, provides emergency assistance while working with governments to strengthen resilience, improve nutrition, and build sustainable food systems to eliminate hunger globally.
Below is a copy of the statement
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
