At the end of 2011 a worsening of the food security and nutrition situation in the Sahel region was anticipated for 2012 by different agencies and early warning systems, in the context of a chronic situation of high levels of malnutrition, weak capacities, and high levels of vulnerability of children. A Level 2 (L2) emergency was declared by UNICEF and a Humanitarian Action Update (HAU) was launched in February 2012, appealing for a total of USD 119,516,156 to address needs initially in eight countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger, Senegal, Chad, Northern Nigeria, and Northern Cameroon). In the context of this response, a quick and light Real-Time Independent Assessment (RTIA) was proposed to facilitate learning and program improvements while the response remained ongoing.