1) For further guidance, take advantage of the guide provided below.
2) The local population might not be used to using the Gregorian calendar as their timing might be based primarily on religious festivals or agricultural seasons. Always adjust the timing according to local customs.
3) The indicator is prone to significant biases - people sometimes do not provide correct data because they do not remember the exact duration of the "hunger period" or they tend to overestimate its duration (for various reasons). Since the length of this period is a very important indicator of a household's food security, use the following tips to ensure its maximum quality:
> explain the importance of correct answers – explain to the respondent why it is so important that the information we receive is correct
> clarify expectations – explain that the answer which the respondent provides will not result in a (lack of) any kind of material or other support
> probe for more precise answers - if a person says that s/he did not have enough food from June till September, ask when exactly did this period begin in June - for example, was it before or after a certain public holiday?
> if possible, ask another family member the same question and then compare the answers - if there are any differences, ask both family members to explain them and discuss with them what the real duration was
> the data for this indicator should be collected as quickly after the "hunger period" as possible as it is easier for the respondent to recall its exact duration
4) Disaggregate the data by the household vulnerability (e.g. female-headed households) and wealth quintile.