---
title: "3.2.1 Criteria for Cluster Activation"
slug: "321-criteria-for-cluster-activation"
updated: 2023-12-05T08:19:15Z
published: 2023-12-05T08:19:15Z
canonical: "handbook.fscluster.org/321-criteria-for-cluster-activation"
---

> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://handbook.fscluster.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# 3.2.1 Criteria for Cluster Activation

The activation of an FSC may be recommended when the following IASC criteria apply:

- Response and coordination gaps exist due to a sharp deterioration or significant change in the food security situation.
- Existing national response or coordination capacity (financial, human, technical) on national and sub-national level is unable to meet needs in a manner that respects humanitarian principles, due to the scale of need, the number of food security actors involved, the need for a more complex multi-sectoral approach, or other constraints.

Food Security Cluster

Inter-Agency Standing Committee