Setting and evaluating the energy content of emergency rations

This paper examines the setting and evaluation of emergency rations for refugees and displaced people. After defining the purpose for which rations are designed, the variables affecting their quantification are discussed. The debate concerning the use of one as opposed to a range of energy levels for different populations is highlighted in a review of recent proposals for ration levels. It is demonstrated that up to a twofold range occurs if different combinations of the main parameters are used. This has important implications for the large-scale provision of food. The use of one figure for the setting and evaluation of rations for all populations is inappropriate; figures should be set according to specific context and need. To achieve this, a practical two-stage approach is proposed. Stage 1, probably a desk exercise, uses pre-calculated 'look-up' tables which provide energy values for each country. These figures are for immediate use as 'rule-of-thumb' estimates, based on clearly defined parameters. The second stage involves refining the values using improved information on local conditions collected by field assessment.