Introduction
Why have an FSC DFP Mechanism?
Building on key lessons learned from the Tropical Storm Mahasen response in May 2013, the purpose of introducing the Food Security Cluster (FSC) “District Focal Point Mechanism” in the cyclone belt is to strengthen and consolidate cluster coordination between all key stakeholders at sub-national and, in this way, support Local Government authorities. This will help build the capacity for effective coordination of response activities and ease the burden of Government official by assigning a single FSC focal point through which to channel information.
The district focal points (DFPs) will also help improve communication from the field to Dhaka level and vice versa. Improved communication at district level will also help create deeper coordination and partnerships. Moreover, the DFPs will initiate preparedness activities and help collect important information on overall district level emergency response capacity.
The DFP will represent the cluster in the local coordination structures (including cross-sector or inter-cluster coordination) and may be called upon to provide support to Joint Needs Assessments and other food security assessments
