This guidelines provide basic information and practical guidance for anyone who participates in a FAO/WFP Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission (CFSAM) - whether as a FAO/WFP core team member, a government or other agency participant, or a donor observer. They can also be of use to organizations and individuals who provide information for such a mission or need to use the findings of a CFSAM report. The primary purpose of a Crop and Food Security Assessment Mission (CFSAM) is to provide an accurate picture of the extent and severity of crisis-induced food insecurity, existing or expected, in the country (or in specific areas) so that timely and appropriate actions can be taken by the government and the international community to minimize the impact of the crisis on affected populations.