Overview

The GIEWS Workstation is a web-based, independent and integrated data management system designed to support the analytical capacity of national and international institutions in terms of food security policy formulation and emergency interventions. All the workstations installed at key institutions in different countries form a network across which information can be shared directly.

The application is entirely built on open-source technology so as to be made freely available to its intended beneficiaries, which include local and national institutions, international organizations and NGOs.

The Workstation’s modular structure also ensures its flexibility and adaptability to changing needs over time. The design of the system’s components is a participatory process involving the national partners, who play a major role towards ensuring data consistency and the relevance of the software for country use.

Food security information is managed in the GIEWS Workstation as GIS map layers, satellite images (e.g. rainfall, vegetation distribution), environmental, economic and demographic data. Crop calendars and other utilities are also available.

The Workstation is also developing a software tool that will implement the The Integrated Food Security and Humanitarian Phase Classification (IPC).