Enhanced Awareness of Hazards, Disaster Information and Early Warning Systems and DRR Capacity Building of Local Level Structures

Enhanced Awareness of Hazards, Disaster Information and Early Warning Systems and DRR Capacity Building of Local Level Structures

March 17, 2025Posted inClimate Change and Disaster Risk Management, Social Research
World Food Programme (WFP) Somalia Country Office together with Somali Disaster Management Agency (SODMA) and Ministries of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management (MOHADM) is currently implementing a project, titled “Strengthening and linking federal and state early warning systems” with financial support from the World Bank. [showhide] 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. [/showhide]
Baseline Survey for Adaptive Agriculture and Rangeland Rehabilitation Project (A2R2)

Baseline Survey for Adaptive Agriculture and Rangeland Rehabilitation Project (A2R2)

March 17, 2025Posted inAgriculture and Market Systems, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, Social Research
The Adaptive Agriculture and Rangeland Rehabilitation Project (A2R2) in Somalia aims to enhance the climate resilience of poor rural households through sustainable natural resource management. This involves improving water resources and rangeland management, promoting eco-agriculture and climate-proof livelihoods, rehabilitating degraded forests and habitats, and strengthening governance systems for land degradation and biodiversity conservation. [showhide] 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. [/showhide]
USR Household Data Collection

USR Household Data Collection

March 17, 2025Posted inHuman Capital and Public Sector Reforms, Social Research
USR Household Data Collection aims to collect socio economic household data in two districts in Somalia. This will be done using the USR systems will be deployed to collect socioeconomic information on households in accordance with the approved operations manual and data protection operational guidelines. [showhide] 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) [/showhide]
End-Line Evaluation Survey for Kenya Rangelands Ecosystem Services Productivity Programme (RANGER)

End-Line Evaluation Survey for Kenya Rangelands Ecosystem Services Productivity Programme (RANGER)

February 7, 2025Posted inAgriculture and Market Systems, Capacity Building and Business Development Support, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, Human Capital and Public Sector Reforms, Social Research
Programme (RANGER) Northern Rangelands Trust and funded by European Union INSIGHTS conducted an endline evaluation of the Kenya Rangelands Ecosystem Services Productivity (Ranger) program, evaluation commissioned by NRT and funded by the European Union, which addresses challenges in the Amaya Triangle region of Kenya, covering Laikipia, Baringo, Samburu, and Isiolo counties. [showhide] 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. [/showhide]
Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) framework

Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) framework

February 7, 2025Posted inCapacity Building and Business Development Support, Human Capital and Public Sector Reforms, Social Research
INSIGHTS developed a comprehensive and user-friendly Monitoring, Evaluation, Research, and Learning (MERL) framework for SOS Children’s Villages International's Somaliland office. The primary objective of this assignment was to create a robust MERL framework and implementation plan that would serve as the foundation for performance evaluation. [showhide] 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. [/showhide]
Gender Analysis: Gender dynamics in Somalia,

Gender Analysis: Gender dynamics in Somalia,

February 7, 2025Posted inHuman Capital and Public Sector Reforms, Social Research
INSIGHTS conducted a gender analysis for MEDAIR, funded by USAID's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (BHA), to understand the gender dynamics in Somalia, particularly within Medair’s operational areas. The analysis aimed to assess the implications of these dynamics at the project level, focusing on enhancing equal and equitable access to opportunities, resources, rights, protection, participation, and decision-making for women, men, boys, and girls. [showhide] 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. [/showhide]
Conducting research on localization progress for humanitarian coordination and CP AoR.

Conducting research on localization progress for humanitarian coordination and CP AoR.

February 7, 2025Posted inHuman Capital and Public Sector Reforms, Social Research
INSIGHTS conducted an in-depth research study on the progress, successes, challenges, and opportunities of localization within humanitarian coordination in Somalia, focusing specifically on the Child Protection Area of Responsibility (CP AoR). This research sought to understand the broader implications of localization on improving the effectiveness of humanitarian responses, particularly in how it impacts the protection of children during emergencies. [showhide] 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. [/showhide]
Review And updating the Somalia Localization Action Plan and Disseminating It Through the Localization Working Group Members

Review And updating the Somalia Localization Action Plan and Disseminating It Through the Localization Working Group Members

February 7, 2025Posted inHuman Capital and Public Sector Reforms, Social Research
INSIGHTS, commissioned by Save the Children International, conducted a review and update of the Somalia Localization Action Plan in close collaboration with the Localization Working Group (LWG) and the Somali NGO Consortium (SNC). The consultancy aimed to assess the effectiveness of the current action plan, identify gaps, and align it with the evolving needs of the humanitarian sector in Somalia. [showhide] 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. [/showhide]
Gender and Disability Barrier Assessment (GEDSI)

Gender and Disability Barrier Assessment (GEDSI)

February 7, 2025Posted inClimate Change and Disaster Risk Management, Human Capital and Public Sector Reforms, Social Research
INSIGHTS was commissioned by COOPI through the SomRep Program to conduct a comprehensive Gender and Disability Barrier Assessment (GEDSI) in the Dollow and El Afweyn districts of Somalia/Somaliland, using a Political, Economic, Social, Technological, and Legal Environment (PESTLE) approach. This assessment adopted a participatory and rights-based methodology, engaging women, girls, persons with disabilities, and relevant stakeholders. [showhide] 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. [/showhide]
Gender Analysis and Development of Gender Strategy

Gender Analysis and Development of Gender Strategy

February 7, 2025Posted inAgriculture and Market Systems, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, Human Capital and Public Sector Reforms, Social Research
INSIGHTS conducted a gender analysis and developed a Gender Strategy for the USAID-funded "Nabadoon Reconciliation Activity" (Nabadoon) in Somalia. The Nabadoon Reconciliation Activity, a five-year program, aims to foster community reconciliation and resilience in Somalia, particularly in the districts of Barawe, Afgooye, Jowhar, and Warsheikh. The program is implemented by a consortium led by Catholic Relief Services (CRS), with Center for Peace and Democracy (CPD) and Somali Solidarity for Welfare and Change (SSWC) as implementing partners. [showhide] 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. [/showhide]