The project objective is to strengthen community-oriented disaster early warning systems and capacities in Hirshabelle and Southwest States. Through this project, the proposed interventions will pilot disaster early warning systems and approaches, while linking them to national disaster risk management, with the goal of improving national and community disaster preparedness and response capacities.

This project is strongly aligned to the Somalia Crisis Recovery Project (SCRP’s) development objectives which is to support the recovery of livelihoods and infrastructure in flood and drought affected areas and strengthen capacity for disaster preparedness nationwide. Taken with the other components of the SCRP, this project will support an integrated flood-drought response and preparedness regime to mitigate against climatic shocks.
INSIGHTS is supporting efforts to enhance disaster preparedness and response in Hirshabelle and Southwest States, building resilience to floods and droughts. Key objectives include raising community awareness, strengthening Village Disaster Management Committees (VDMCs), and establishing early warning systems (EWS). The initiative also fosters linkages between community and national disaster management structures while documenting best practices and lessons learned.

The project also seeks to enhance food and nutrition security, income generation, and adaptive capacities of vulnerable smallholder households.INSIGHTS conducting baseline survey is to establish pre-project conditions against which changes among the target population can be measured. The survey will help to set baseline and track project outcomes and impacts. It will collect both quantitative and qualitative data to measure key indicators such as income, food and nutrition security, biodiversity conservation, and adaptive capacities.

The USR collects information on households that can be used to estimate the welfare of each household. The information is collected in the “Common Registration Form” (CRF), a comprehensive questionnaire that registers socio-economic household data.

INSIGHTS, a third-party research and data collection agency, has developed a methodology and a detailed plan to collect the household socioeconomic data for this initiative through a socio-economic household survey using the standard common registration form (CRF)

The program aimed to build resilience, sustainability, and peace by supporting community conservancies, promoting climate-resilient livelihoods, and improving governance. A consortium of ten partners, including World Agroforestry (ICRAF), Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), and Entrepreneurs for Impact (E4I), led these efforts. Despite successes in improving local communities and conserving natural resources, the region continues to face challenges, necessitating the endline evaluation.

The evaluation assessed the program’s performance using the OECD DAC evaluation criteria: relevance, coherence, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, and sustainability. It aimed to determine the impact of key program indicators, evaluate the program’s alignment with conservancy needs, and review its implementation efficiency. Additionally, the evaluation included a human rights audit, identified areas for future learning, and provided strategic recommendations for stakeholders to improve the program’s outcomes. The RangER program has worked to improve livelihoods, enhance ecosystem service productivity, support climate-smart natural resource management, and foster peace and security, all of which contribute to the resilience of local communities, ecosystems, and wildlife in the face of climate change.

The framework aimed to build the capacity of SOS International staff and their implementing partners, enabling them to conduct activities in line with MERL guidelines and establish baseline benchmarks. It was designed to better account for the project’s achievements, evaluate its impact on beneficiaries, and ensure that it contributes to the desired outcomes.

The MERL framework was crafted to provide a dynamic and participatory monitoring and evaluation system, adaptable to innovations at various stages of project implementation. It supports the project management team and decision-makers by offering tools and methodologies to assess the overall progress, effects, and impact of activities in the short, medium, and long term. Ultimately, the framework enhances the ability to evaluate and improve project performance, ensuring that activities are effectively contributing to achieving the expected results.

By identifying local and program-related gender constraints and opportunities, the analysis informed the design and adaptation of Medair’s programs to promote social justice, inclusiveness, and gender equality. Additionally, the analysis evaluated how Medair Somalia’s interventions have contributed to positive changes in the lives of women, men, boys, and girls, fostering a more just and fair society.

The gender analysis examined differences in roles, norms, and power dynamics between women, men, boys, and girls, including their access to and control over resources. It also explored how these gendered differences affect their needs, constraints, and opportunities. Based on these findings, the analysis provided recommendations for program adjustments to ensure more inclusive and equitable outcomes in Medair’s areas of operation. Medair works across the Banadir, Middle Shabelle, Lower Shabelle, and Lower Juba regions, offering integrated health, nutrition, and WASH programs through Primary Health Care facilities and community-based interventions. Ultimately, the gender analysis supported Medair’s efforts to address gender inequality and contribute to sustainable development and inclusive peace in Somalia.

By examining the ways in which localization has influenced coordination mechanisms, decision-making, and the delivery of services, the study aimed to shed light on the potential of localized responses to enhance both the immediate and long-term protection of vulnerable populations, especially children. The research also aimed to assess how the localization process has been integrated into the CP AoR, uncovering both successes and barriers that could be addressed to better safeguard children’s rights in crisis situations.

Furthermore, the research sought to contribute to the ongoing dialogue around transformative humanitarian action by emphasizing the importance of contextually appropriate, locally led response strategies that prioritize the protection and well-being of vulnerable communities. The findings were intended to inform the development of an action plan that would build on the progress of localization, identifying key areas for improvement and potential opportunities for strengthening the involvement of local actors in humanitarian coordination. This action plan would aim to foster more inclusive, adaptive, and sustainable approaches that better meet the needs of crisis-affected populations in Somalia. Ultimately, the research underscored the necessity of ensuring that humanitarian responses are not only responsive but also resilient, empowering local stakeholders to take ownership of their own recovery and protection efforts, particularly in terms of child protection.

This process involved consultations with key stakeholders, including local and international actors, to understand challenges and successes, followed by updating the plan to improve local participation, coordination, and the capacity of local organizations. The revised action plan also aimed to address the barriers faced by local humanitarian actors, such as limited funding and capacity gaps.

The updated action plan was disseminated through the Localization Working Group, ensuring that all relevant stakeholders were informed and engaged in its implementation. INSIGHTS also developed action plans to increase funding to local civil society organizations (CSOs) and enhance the role of Localization Working Groups. The goal was to create an enabling environment for local actors to take a more central role in humanitarian action, ensuring that the localization agenda is effectively implemented and that resources are allocated to strengthen local capacities and improve outcomes in the Somali context.

The goal was to identify and analyze the barriers these groups face in accessing essential services and opportunities across sectors such as education, healthcare, employment, transportation, and social protection.

Given the interconnections between gender and disability, the assessment emphasized the need to consider both dimensions to understand the specific challenges faced by women and men with disabilities. It also explored how gender norms and expectations impact the lives of people with disabilities, aiming to uncover the unique barriers they face and how these intersect with gender.

The GEDSI assessment aimed to inform the development of more effective policies and programs that promote inclusion, equity, and accessibility for all individuals, regardless of gender or disability status. The findings led to actionable recommendations to overcome barriers, reduce vulnerabilities, and strengthen enablers. Ultimately, the assessment contributes to the achievement of SDGs, particularly SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequality), while identifying opportunities for policy reform and programmatic action to enhance inclusive development, equal opportunities, and social justice in Somalia/Somaliland.

Commissioned by CPD, the gender analysis aimed to support the integration of gender throughout the Nabadoon project cycle, addressing gender-based power dynamics, harmful masculine norms, and promoting the inclusion, participation, and empowerment of women, youth (18-29 years, both male and female), and persons with disabilities.

The gender analysis filled knowledge gaps identified in the baseline assessment and informed the design and implementation of gender-responsive and transformative activities. It aimed to overcome district-specific participation constraints, such as meeting times, location distances, conflict sensitivity, and adherence to the “Do No Harm” strategy. Furthermore, the analysis sought to identify how Nabadoon activities were not causing unintended harm to the target groups while promoting their active participation in conflict resolution and peacebuilding. The gender analysis also assessed the integration of gender issues in peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and natural resource management, providing recommendations for better integration of gender considerations to achieve more equitable outcomes.

The second component of the analysis was to develop a Gender Strategy for the Nabadoon Activity. Effective mainstreaming of gender equality and social inclusion is crucial for natural resource management and peacebuilding initiatives in Somalia, and the Gender Strategy is an essential cross-cutting component of the Nabadoon Project. The strategy provides a framework to guide the project and its consortium partners, ensuring gender considerations are integrated into all aspects of the program. The primary target audience for the strategy includes the consortium partners and Nabadoon communities/participants who will be responsible for its implementation. Secondary audiences include organizations and individuals working to empower marginalized groups, particularly women, in Somalia. The strategy aims to promote inclusive participation, address gender inequalities, and foster a more equitable and sustainable impact for all involved.

The safety audits were designed to identify specific safety concerns, map out areas with heightened risks, and assess the availability and accessibility of child protection services, ensuring that all key vulnerabilities were considered. This participatory approach included consultations with children and adolescents, whose voices and experiences were central to the process. By actively involving children in the assessment, they were empowered to contribute to decision-making and problem-solving efforts focused on improving their safety and protection.

The findings of the assessment are set to inform the development of a comprehensive protection strategy, which will specifically target the identified risks and vulnerabilities. This strategy will address the gaps in child protection services and improve coordination to ensure that children’s rights to safety, protection, and well-being are upheld in these areas. By focusing on the specific needs and challenges of children in the Jowhar, Balcad, and Adale regions, the goal is to mitigate risks and improve both immediate and long-term humanitarian outcomes. The insights gathered from this assessment will not only help enhance the protection mechanisms available to children but also contribute to improving the overall humanitarian situation for children in Somalia, particularly in IDP camps and vulnerable communities.

Through a comprehensive framework of life skills training, vocational skills development, entrepreneurship support, and youth leadership initiatives, the EASE-Y project sought to equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the workforce while fostering social and political inclusion.

INSIGHTS conducted the endline evaluation of the EASE-Y project, which focused on its implementation in Mogadishu, Baidoa, and Garowe. The evaluation provided a comprehensive assessment of the project’s relevance, effectiveness, efficiency, impact, sustainability, coherence, and inclusiveness, aiming to determine the extent to which the project achieved its objectives and delivered meaningful outcomes for its target population. Specific objectives included evaluating the project’s performance against baseline data, collecting qualitative and quantitative data on program impact—particularly in livelihoods and child protection—assessing the quality and accountability of the intervention, documenting both intended and unintended outcomes, and recommending strategic improvements. The evaluation also provided valuable insights to guide future decision-making, resource allocation, and scaling-up of similar initiatives. The findings highlighted the project’s success in empowering youth and contributing to community development, while also identifying areas for improvement to enhance impact and sustainability in future projects.

A key aspect of the assessment was addressing the heightened vulnerability of marginalized groups, including Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), the elderly, socially marginalized populations, and those in hard-to-reach (H2R) areas. These groups face significant barriers in accessing vital resources, information, and support systems, which amplifies their risks during climatic shocks. Poor or limited access to WCIS further exacerbates their challenges, underscoring the need for inclusive and community-specific solutions.

The mapping exercise provided actionable recommendations aimed at improving early warning systems to better prepare vulnerable communities for climatic shocks. These recommendations will guide the design of targeted interventions to enhance preparedness, resilience, and equitable access to early warning services, ensuring that no group is left behind in responding to climate-related risks.early warning systems in Bandarbeyla, Burao, and Beledweyne districts in Somalia.

The assessment included a thorough review of relevant documentation, such as reports, policies, and literature on protection issues in Somalia. Key informant interviews were conducted with stakeholders, including local authorities, community leaders, humanitarian actors, and vulnerable groups. Questionnaire surveys supplemented these insights with quantitative data, ensuring a robust and holistic understanding of the issues. Data collected was disaggregated by age, gender, and displacement status to ensure nuanced and actionable recommendations that address the specific needs of affected populations.

STOP II sought to raise community awareness about GBV and FGM, improve access to multi-sectoral response services, and advocate for necessary legal and policy reforms. Building on the successes and lessons learned from its predecessor, STOP I, which focused on increasing service access and raising awareness in pilot areas, STOP II expanded its efforts to reach more communities while deepening its impact.

INSIGHTS conducted the endline evaluation of the STOP II project to assess its effectiveness in achieving its overall and specific objectives and to evaluate the impact of its outcomes on the targeted communities. The evaluation examined the extent to which the project raised awareness, improved service delivery, and influenced policy and legal frameworks related to GBV and FGM. It also analyzed the project’s contributions to enhancing the well-being of women and girls in the region. The findings provided valuable insights and practical recommendations to inform future programming, ensuring sustained progress toward achieving gender equality and addressing the critical challenges faced by women and girls in Somaliland.

Implemented in South-Central Somalia, the project equipped CSOs with the skills, resources, and leadership needed to address child protection issues and promoted local ownership through coordination and advocacy efforts. Activities included Organizational Capacity Assessments (OCAs), training, and fostering CSO leadership in coordination mechanisms.
The endline evaluation assessed the project’s success in achieving its outcomes, strengthening child protection systems, and advancing localization efforts. The findings aim to guide SCI and partners in scaling effective practices and addressing remaining challenges to build a resilient, localized child protection system.

It identified current opportunities and proposed strategies and recommendations to address gaps, enabling ACF Somalia to adopt gender-transformative approaches and develop standalone gender and protection programs.

The gender analysis was conducted in key regions of Somalia, including Banadir, Bay, Bakool, Lower Juba, Sool, and Nugaal, with final locations determined in consultation with ACF and the consultant. The findings and recommendations are expected to guide ACF Somalia in enhancing program effectiveness and sustainability while addressing gender inequalities and fostering inclusive development.

and tapping new market opportunities to reduce small-scale producers’ vulnerability, enhance their resilience to the shocks from the Ukraine crisis. INSIGHTS conducted a baseline survey in all the target districts in Somalia.

INSIGHTS was tasked with mapping and profiling individuals and businesses engaged in fish retailing and the fabrication/sales of fish retail facilities in Mogadishu and Kismayo. INSIGHTS supported collecting comprehensive data on these businesses, facilitating training for women and youth on record keeping and business management, and linking these market actors with financial institutions and technology providers to support the establishment of 400 standard fish retail outlets.

It analyzed the effectiveness of existing child protection systems, identified unmet needs, and assessed the capacities of local communities, national systems, and international actors to address these vulnerabilities. Key areas of focus included understanding the drivers of child protection concerns, documenting the perspectives of children and caregivers, and mapping community-based protection structures.

INSIGHTS conducted annual outcome surveys via household and business surveys in six targeted districts: Bay (Baidoa), Lower Shabelle (Afgoi, Barawe), Middle Shabelle (Balcad, Jowhar), Banadir (Mogadishu), and Lower Juba (Kismayu). The objective of this activity is to gather detailed information on the status of various performance indicators, providing insights that help the program team, donors, and partners understand the project’s impact and progress. The first survey, scheduled for July 2024, aligns with the program’s Activity Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning Plan (AMELP), supporting data-driven decision-making and continuous improvement of resilience-building efforts in Somalia.

INSIDHTS conducted an End-line and impact assessment aimed to cover all key components and the sub-components of the project implemented in the project target districts and to assess the project intervention, activities and inputs provided. The End line Survey and Project Impact Evaluation focused on impact, outcome and inputs indicators by a collection of verified information through systematic data collection from beneficiaries and the project stakeholders for a set of evaluation questions (IFAD impact assessment standard questionnaire and project related questionnaire) in conjunction with the above-mentioned impact domains

Through this project, the proposed interventions will pilot disaster early warning systems and approaches, while linking them to national disaster risk management, with the goal of improving national and community disaster preparedness and response capacities.

This project is strongly aligned to the Somalia Crisis Recovery Project (SCRP’s) development objectives which is to support the recovery of livelihoods and infrastructure in flood and drought affected areas and strengthen capacity for disaster preparedness nationwide. Taken with the other components of the SCRP, this project will support an integrated flood-drought response and preparedness regime to mitigate against climatic shocks.

INSIGHTS is supporting the development of 4 key documents namely Development of community-level disaster risk management guidelines, revise contingency plans, and develop regulatory framework and standard operating procedures for early warning and response efforts on floods and droughts.