IPC Technical Manual and Guidance Notes

Type and Objective of Product

Technical Guidance Product

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) Manual is the official guide that outlines the principles, tools, and protocols of the IPC analytical approach for classifying food insecurity and malnutrition. It serves as a standardised, evidence-based framework used by governments, humanitarian organizations, and development agencies to assess and communicate the severity and magnitude of food crises.

Knowledge: clearly understand the IPC Acute Food Insecurity and Acute Malnutrition scales. IPC Guidance Notes are supplementary technical documents that provide detailed instructions, clarifications, and best practices for applying IPC protocols and methodologies in various contexts.

Ownership

Whereas the IPC Global Support Unit (GSU) is responsible for coordinating development in collaboration with the Technical Working Groups, it is also responsible for overseeing its rollout.

Primary Target Audiences: Lay public

The primary audiences for the IPC Technical Manual and Guidance Notes include:

  • Food Security and Nutrition Analysts: Experts responsible for collecting, analysing, and interpreting data to classify food insecurity and malnutrition levels.
  • Government Decision-Makers: Policymakers, ministries, and agencies involved in food security, agriculture, health, and disaster management.

Branding and Format

The IPC Technical Manual and Guidance Notes follows standardised branding to ensure consistency and credibility:

  • Size: Standard A4 book format for easy use.
  • Fonts: The primary and secondary font is Myriad Pro, a sans-serif typeface with a classic and fresh appearance that aligns with the IPC brand book.

Dissemination

The IPC Technical Manual is disseminated through multiple channels to ensure it reaches key stakeholders effectively. These include:

  • IPC Website & Online Platforms: The manual is available for download on the official IPC website and partner organization websites.
  • Workshops & Training Sessions: IPC Global Support Unit (GSU) conducts training sessions, webinars, and capacity-building workshops to introduce and explain the manual.
  • Government Agencies & Policy Networks: Distributed to relevant ministries, national food security bodies, and decision-makers.
  • Humanitarian & Development Organizations: Shared with WFP, FAO, UNICEF, NGOs, and other operational agencies for program planning.
  • Academic & Research Institutions: Provided to universities, think tanks, and researchers working on food security and malnutrition.
  • Printed Copies & Digital Resources: Available in both hardcopy and digital formats for accessibility in different contexts.
  • Regional & Country-Level IPC Partners: Disseminated through IPC Technical Working Groups and coordination bodies at national and regional levels.