1.7 The IPC Integrated Food Security and Nutrition Conceptual Framework

The IPC Integrated Food Security and Nutrition Conceptual Framework expands on the well-known IPC Analytical Framework for Food Security and the UNICEF Analytical Framework for Malnutrition to contribute to a better understanding of the linkages between food security and nutrition (Figure 1). Because classifications are performed separately for food insecurity and malnutrition, albeit considering their linkages, this Conceptual Framework should not be used to guide IPC analysis, but rather to inform further analysis of linkages between the different conditions. Specific IPC Analytical Frameworks to guide food security and nutrition analyses are included in the IPC Technical Manual Version 3.0 under Part 2, Function 2. 

The IPC Integrated Food Security and Nutrition Conceptual Framework considers the following: 

• The basic causal factors of food insecurity and malnutrition are common, and thus responses addressing structural causes need to be well integrated.
• Suboptimal caring and feeding practices, together with low food availability, access, utilization and stability, directly impact the food consumption of households and individuals.
• There is a reciprocal and complex relationship between food consumption and health status. It is expected that people who live in households that have an inadequate quantity or quality of food for consumption are more likely to become ill. Furthermore, they are more likely to eat less, while their disease can impact the ability of households to access and utilize food, either because of the weakened immune system or because of weakened ability to engage in productive activities.
• Food insecurity and malnutrition outcomes will contribute to overall vulnerability or may be a shock on their own, following the cyclical nature of food insecurity and malnutrition.