RESEARCH, PROGRAMS AND PARTNERSHIPS
The Institute's research focuses on a wide range of disciplines, including policy and governance, the peace-conflict nexus, pastoralism, agriculture and development, climate change and the environment, transitional justice and social cohesion, and history and collective memory.
THEMATIC AREAS
The Institute examines the drivers of conflict, violence, and insecurity in the Somali Region while developing practical approaches to peacebuilding, conflict prevention, reconciliation, and social cohesion. Particular attention is given to youth engagement in peace processes and community-based conflict resolution.
Hiraad conducts research on public policy, governance systems, institutional accountability, transparency, stakeholder engagement, rule of law, and human rights to strengthen effective and responsive public institutions.
Recognizing pastoralism as the backbone of the regional economy, the Institute studies challenges related to drought, natural resource management, livestock production, market access, and agricultural transformation. Research aims to improve livelihoods, resilience, and food security.
Hiraad researches the impacts of climate change — including drought, flooding, and environmental degradation — and promotes adaptation strategies that strengthen resilience and support sustainable development.
Hiraad recognizes history and collective memory as foundational pillars of society. The Institute researches the region's historical legacy, cultural identity, and collective memory while promoting their integration into sustainable development and social cohesion initiatives.
WHAT WE DO
Our research agenda is implemented through integrated service lines that connect evidence generation to policy action, institutional capacity, and practical implementation.
Applied policy research designed around real institutional needs.
Needs assessment studies Baseline and sector diagnostics Political economy and governance analysis Field data and methodological outputs
Technical support for policy design, reform, and implementation.
Policy advisory and technical notes Institutional capacity assessments Strategic planning and reform support Monitoring, evaluation, and impact frameworks
Building lasting policy and institutional capability across sectors.
Policy analysis and research methods training Data collection and interpretation skills Governance and accountability workshops Youth leadership and community facilitation programs
LATEST PUBLICATIONS
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An assessment of awareness, historical grievances, and pathways to a more inclusive and effective process.
A survey-based assessment of awareness, expectations, and pathways to a more inclusive dialogue process.
Impediments, efforts and achievements.
Can the Somali Region achieve food self-sufficiency in the face of climate change and global food crises?
HOW WE ENGAGE
Beyond publications, Hiraad sustains policy impact through convening, participatory engagement, and iterative stakeholder validation.
Structured multi-stakeholder engagement through policy roundtables, HADAF, youth forums, seminars, and expert consultations that connect evidence to policy deliberation.
Participatory consultations, community outreach visits, and feedback systems ensure policy analysis remains grounded in lived realities and locally articulated priorities.
Commentary and public analysis promote accurate, contextualized discourse around governance and development issues.
RESEARCH AND PROGRAMMES
Hiraad convenes policymakers, researchers, practitioners, and citizens through a flagship annual forum, recurring thematic forums, and need-based policy dialogues.
The Institute's flagship annual event convenes policymakers, researchers, development practitioners, civil society organizations, community leaders, and citizens from Ethiopia, the Somali Peninsula, and beyond. The forum is a platform for presenting research, debating policy issues, and building strategic partnerships.
Regular forums address emerging regional issues and facilitate dialogue among policymakers, experts, practitioners, and the public.
Need-based policy dialogues and panel discussions are organized in response to emerging developments and priority issues affecting the region.
INSTITUTIONAL APPROACH
Our structured model links contextual scoping, research, advisory engagement, institutional learning, and strategic renewal into a continuous policy impact cycle.
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Field engagement and policy consultations define problem-driven research priorities.
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Methodologically rigorous qualitative and quantitative research captures institutional realities.
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Findings are synthesized into feasible policy options aligned with institutional constraints.
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Draft findings are tested through workshops, consultations, and practitioner feedback.
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Policy briefs, technical notes, and direct advisory engagements support institutional uptake.
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Training, tools, and peer learning build durable institutional capability.
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Recommendation uptake and policy outcomes are tracked to refine future work.
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Priorities are adjusted as political, social, and environmental conditions evolve.
Whether you are a government institution, international organization, academic partner, or civil society group, we welcome collaboration that strengthens evidence-based policymaking in the Horn of Africa.
