Quantitative data analysis transforms raw data into actionable insights, supporting evidence-based decision-making in food security assessments. This process involves applying statistical methods to describe, summarize, and interpret data collected from households and communities.
Purpose of Quantitative Data Analysis
Identify patterns, trends, and relationships in food security indicators
Generate summary statistics and key findings for reporting
Support targeting, prioritization, and programmatic recommendations
Key Steps in Quantitative Data Analysis
Data Preparation: Clean and organize datasets, ensuring accuracy and completeness. Address missing values, outliers, and inconsistencies before analysis
Indicator Calculation: Compute core food security indicators such as Food Consumption Score (FCS), Coping Strategies Index (CSI), Food Expenditure Share (FES) and Livelihood Coping Strategies (LCS), following WFP standard methodologies
Descriptive Analysis: Calculate frequencies, means, medians, and proportions to summarize key variables
Disaggregation: Analyze results by relevant subgroups (e.g., region, gender, livelihood group) according to the analysis plan and statistical power to identify disparities and inform targeting
Statistical Testing: Apply appropriate statistical tests to assess differences and relationships between groups or variables
Report writing and Visualization: Present findings using tables, charts, and maps to enhance interpretation and communication
Best Practices
Use a predefined analysis plan and updated indicator definitions
Document all analysis steps, including data cleaning, indicator calculation, and statistical methods used
Ensure results are reproducible and transparent by saving scripts and outputs
Collaborate with technical experts to validate findings and interpretations
Analytical Resources
Guidance Resources
CFSVA guidance on data preparation, SPSS and data analysis
EFSA guidance on data analysis
External Tutorials
Kahn Academy: Video tutorial library containing over 100 videos on statistics
SPSS Online Training Tutorials: Dozens of tutorials on SPSS provided by Central Michigan University
How 2 Stats: A wide range of tutorials on SPSS stats techniques
For more information, please contact the Assessments and Targeting Unit in HQ VAM at global.assessmentandtargeting@wfp.org.