Food security and nutrition surveillance in low- and middle-income countries

This article reviews the purpose, opportunities, and challenges of food security and nutrition (FSN) surveillance for effective policy making in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). We first discuss the underlying frameworks for FSN surveillance data and the core principles for deciding what data to collect. Then, along the different constructs of food security, health service coverage, dietary quality and nutritional status, we provide an overview of the most commonly used FSN indicators and review their strengths and limitations. Rigorous FSN surveillance systems that provide accurate, timely and disaggregated data can help to ensure effective evidence-based policymaking and program implementation in LMICs.