In the wake of the collapse of the Somalia State and the ensuing food insecurity, FSAU has over the past eleven years provided researchers, decision makers, and project implementers with critical information on food, nutrition, and livelihood security.  FSAU began in 1994 with funding from USAID/OFDA and management by WFP, which was complimented by funding from the EC since 1995. Since 2000, the European Commission has provided core funding for the FSAU, with management by FAO. The FSAU Nutrition Component has received annual funding from USAID/OFDA since 2000. The Government of Norway provided bridging funds for the project between Phase IV and V (May 2006 to August 2006). The FSAU is currently in its fifth funding phase, which will last until March 2009.

Brief FSAU Historical Timeline:

• 1994 : The World Food Programme initiated FSAU with funding from USAID in 1994 to provide in depth food security information and analysis in Somalia.

• 1995-1996 : Phase One.   The EC provided funding to FSAU, with implementation from WFP.

• 1997-1999 : Phase Two.   Funding was supplied through WFP, USAID, European Commission, Italian Government and the Food and Agriculture Organization. Implementation was carried out by WFP.

• 2000-2003: Phase Three.   The EC provided core funding to FSAU, complimented with funding from USAID for the Nutrition Component.  FAO managed both projects, with  additional emphasis of understanding longer term dynamics of food insecurity with a livelihoods approach.

• Oct 2003 - April 2006:  Phase Four.  The EC provided core funding to FSAU with USAID funding the Nutrition Component.  FAO continued to manage FSAU, with emphasis on developing evidence-based livelihoods analysis systems, making information more accessible to a wide range of users, and linking information to action.


•  May 2006 - August 2006: Bridging Phase. The Government of Norway provided bridging funds to FSAU with USAID funding the Nutrition Component. During this bridging phase FAO continued to manage FSAU, and the project activities focused on the Post Gu 2006 Assessment and Analysis and the release of findings through presentations, press releases, radio interviews, a special brief report, and a technical series report.
  


• Sept 2006 - March 2009: Phase Five.  The EC continues to provide core funding to FSAU with USAID funding the Nutrition Component. FAO continues to manage FSAU, with emphasis on the application of evidence-based livelihoods analysis systems, making information more accessible to a wide range of users, and linking information to action.