Established in June 2024, Hiraad Institute stands as a beacon of knowledge production in the Somali region of Ethiopia. This non-partisan, non-profit think tank prioritizes rigorous research on critical issues facing the region. Policy and governance, peacebuilding, pastoralism and agriculture, climate change, economic development, religion and culture, history and heritage are all within Hiraad’s focus, ensuring a comprehensive approach to regional challenges. By translating complex research findings into actionable recommendations, the Institute bridges the gap between academia, policy makers, and public
Hiraad aspires to not only inform policymakers but also empower Somali region community. The Institute fosters a culture of inquiry, encouraging public’s active participation in the development process. Collaboration is key to Hiraad’s mission. Partnerships with government agencies, international organizations, and local entities ensure research has a tangible impact on the ground.
Hiraad strives to be the leading center for evidence-based policy research in the Somali region. By upholding principles of objectivity, inclusivity, and transparency, the Institute aims to contribute to a more peaceful, prosperous, and just future for all Somalis.
Mission
Hiraad Institute is dedicated to illuminating the path towards evidence-based policymaking in the Somali region of Ethiopia.
Vision
Hiraad Institute envisions a Somali region where communities are empowered to identify and solve their own problems.
Our Target
A. Policymakers: Informed Decision-Making
Government officials at all levels, from federal ministries to local authorities, hold the power to translate policy decisions into real-world change. Hiraad Institute equips them with high-quality, objective research on critical issues plaguing the Somali region. This research delves into areas like social service delivery, governance, economic development, and peacebuilding. By presenting complex data in a clear and actionable format, the Institute empowers policymakers to make informed decisions that directly address the region’s unique challenges. Additionally, parliamentarians and advisors receive timely research briefs and policy recommendations to support their work in shaping legislation and influencing policy agendas.
B. Stakeholder Groups: Catalysts for Collective Action
Civil society organizations (CSOs) act as the voice of the people, advocating for positive change across various sectors. Hiraad Institute collaborates with
CSOs working on social services, governance, and economic development. By sharing research findings and co-developing solutions, the Institute empowers these organizations to strengthen their advocacy efforts and ensure their initiatives are grounded in data-driven evidence. Similarly, the Institute conducts research relevant to private sector leaders, like infrastructure development and job creation. By sharing this research, the Institute empowers businesses to make informed investment decisions that contribute to the region’s economic growth and create sustainable jobs for Somali communities.
C. The Public: Building an Informed and Engaged Citizenry
Local communities are at the heart of the Institute’s mission. Hiraad Institute strives to make its research accessible and understandable through simplified reports, infographics, and community outreach programs. This empowers local communities to become informed participants in their own development. They can hold policymakers accountable and actively participate in shaping the future of the region. Additionally, media outlets receive clear summaries of research findings, allowing journalists to effectively communicate complex issues to the public, fostering a more informed citizenry.
Our Focus
The institute will conduct research on policy making and stakeholder engagement, transparency and accountability of government institutions in the Somali region of Ethiopia. Institutionalizing this, Institute will also develop and promote policies and programs to strengthen the rule of law and to protect human rights.
The Somali region boasts a rich tradition of pastoralism. The Institute delves into challenges faced by these communities, such as droughts, resource scarcity, and market access. We also explore opportunities for sustainable agricultural development, aiming to improve food security and livelihoods in the region.
The quality of essential services directly impacts the well-being of Somali communities. The Institute assesses the accessibility and effectiveness of education, healthcare, water, and sanitation services. Our research provides data-driven recommendations to improve service delivery and ensure all residents have access to their basic needs.
The Somali region is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including droughts, floods, and rising sea levels. The Institute conducts research on the impact of climate change and explores adaptation strategies for sustainable development. We aim to inform policies that mitigate climate risks and build resilience within communities.
Economic prosperity is essential for long-term stability and growth. The Institute identifies factors hindering economic development, including limited infrastructure, lack of diversification, and unemployment. By analyzing various sectors, we design evidence-based policies to stimulate economic activity, attract investment, and create sustainable job opportunities.
Religion and culture form the bedrock of Somali society. The Institute recognizes the importance of these aspects in promoting social cohesion and a sense of shared identity. Our research explores the role of religion and culture in development and investigates ways to integrate them into sustainable development strategies.
Somali region posses immense history and heritage – which most of them are untapped and unresearched. The institute will strive to research the long and sometimes controversial history and heritage of the region and make it available for public and policy consumption.
Focus Area | Services & Solutions |
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Agricultural Development |
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C. Social Services | * Assessing accessibility and effectiveness of essential services (education enrollment rates, healthcare facility distribution, water and sanitation coverage). * Providing data-driven recommendations for improvement (targeted teacher training programs, healthcare infrastructure development, water purification systems). |
D. Climate Change |
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E. Economic Development | * Identifying factors hindering economic development (infrastructure gaps, limited access to finance, skills mismatch). |
* Analyzing various sectors to design evidence-based policies (tourism development strategies, investment promotion programs, small business development initiatives). | |
F. Religion and Culture | * Exploring the role of religion and culture in development and social cohesion (studying religious values on work ethic and community support, analyzing cultural practices that promote peacebuilding). * Investigating ways to integrate these aspects into sustainable development strategies (promoting ethical business practices, incorporating traditional knowledge into resource management). |
G. History and Heritage |
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A Cyclical Approach
The Hiraad Institute tackles development challenges in the Somali region through a continuous cycle of research, collaboration, and impact. This cyclical approach ensures our efforts are data-driven, effective, and lead to lasting positive change.
1. Needs Assessment & Research
The cycle begins with a thorough needs assessment to identify critical issues within each focus area. This involves data collection through surveys, interviews, and stakeholder consultations.
Our research teams delve deeper, conducting in-depth analysis of challenges and opportunities. Collaboration with academic institutions and international experts strengthens our understanding.
2. Data Analysis & Evidence-Based Solutions
The collected data undergoes rigorous analysis using advanced statistics and geospatial mapping to identify trends, patterns, and root causes of challenges.
Based on the findings, our research teams develop evidence-based solutions specifically tailored to address the Somali region’s unique needs. This ensures practical and impactful solutions aligned with regional priorities.
3. Collaboration & Partnership Building
Recognizing the importance of collective action, the Institute actively builds partnerships with government agencies, NGOs, civil society organizations, and private sector actors.
This collaborative approach fosters knowledge sharing and leverages resources, ensuring effective implementation of solutions and reaching intended beneficiaries.
4. Capacity Building & Knowledge Dissemination
The Hiraad Institute is committed to empowering local communities and stakeholders. We achieve this by providing capacity building workshops, training programs, and technical assistance to strengthen skills and knowledge.
Research findings are actively disseminated through reports, policy briefs, and public awareness campaign ensuring our research informs policy decisions and fosters a more informed citizenry.
5. Monitoring & Evaluation
We believe in monitoring and evaluation to assess the effectiveness of our interventions. This ensures continuous refinement and adaptation of solutions based on real-world outcomes.
The Institute establishes clear monitoring indicators and evaluation frameworks to track progress and measure impact towards our development goals.
6. Returning to Needs Assessment
The cycle is cyclical. Findings from monitoring and evaluation can inform future needs assessments, ensuring our research continues to address the evolving challenges of the Somali region.
Hiraad’s Approach
Hiraad’s Organogram
Executive Director • Provides overall leadership and direction for the Institute.
Director of Operations • Manages the day-to-day operations of the Institute.
Research Teams
o Focus areas may include (but are not limited to):
Chief Analyst • Provides research leadership and guidance to the research teams.
Assistant Secretary to the Executive Director
• Provides direct support to the Executive Director, managing schedules, communications, and administrative tasks.
Volunteers & Interns
Researchers & Experts
Hiraad’s Major Events
Annual Activities
Monthly Activities:
Additional Activities:
Partners