Act & Policy

Policy Research and Advisory

Somali Researchers Association (SRA) helps government institutions, development partners, civil society organisations and private-sector clients develop policies, strategies and regulatory frameworks based on reliable evidence.

We combine research, data analysis, stakeholder consultation and knowledge of the Somali context to help clients understand policy problems, examine possible solutions and develop practical approaches for implementation.

Our Policy Services

Policy Research and Analysis

SRA conducts research to identify the causes, scale and consequences of a policy problem. This may include:

  • Literature and document reviews

  • Analysis of existing laws, policies and strategies

  • Collection and analysis of qualitative and quantitative data

  • Institutional and governance assessments

  • Political-economy and stakeholder analysis

  • Comparison with regional and international practices

  • Identification of policy gaps and implementation challenges

Policy Development and Review

We support clients in developing new policies and reviewing existing ones. Our services may include:

  • Preparation of policy concept notes

  • Development of policy options

  • Review and revision of existing policies

  • Preparation of national and sector strategies

  • Development of implementation and action plans

  • Preparation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks

  • Alignment with national priorities and institutional mandates

Where legislation or specialised legal drafting is required, SRA works with qualified legal experts.

Stakeholder Consultation

Effective policies require the participation of the people and institutions affected by them. SRA designs and facilitates consultations with:

  • Government ministries and public institutions

  • Federal Member States and district administrations

  • Development partners

  • Civil society organisations

  • Academic and research institutions

  • Private-sector representatives

  • Community leaders, women, youth and marginalised groups

Consultation findings are documented and used to improve the relevance, acceptance and practicality of the proposed policy.

Policy Implementation Support

SRA helps clients move from policy approval to implementation by developing:

  • Costed implementation plans

  • Institutional roles and coordination arrangements

  • Results frameworks and performance indicators

  • Monitoring, reporting and accountability systems

  • Capacity-building and orientation materials

  • Policy communication and dissemination plans

Our Approach

Our policy assignments normally follow six stages:

  1. Define the policy problem and agree on the assignment objectives.

  2. Review the available evidence, laws, policies and institutional arrangements.

  3. Collect additional information through research and stakeholder consultation.

  4. Develop and assess policy options, considering their benefits, costs and risks.

  5. Prepare and validate the policy with relevant institutions and stakeholders.

  6. Develop an implementation framework with responsibilities, timelines and measurable indicators.

Policy Areas

SRA can provide research and advisory support in areas including:

  • Education and skills development

  • Public health

  • Economic development and trade

  • Agriculture, livestock and food security

  • Climate change and disaster-risk management

  • Governance and public administration

  • Financial inclusion and private-sector development

  • Social protection, gender and youth

  • Digital development and data governance

Typical Deliverables

Depending on the assignment, SRA may provide:

  • Policy research and diagnostic reports

  • Policy-gap and institutional analyses

  • Stakeholder consultation reports

  • Policy options papers

  • Draft policies and strategic frameworks

  • Costed implementation and action plans

  • Monitoring and evaluation frameworks

  • Policy briefs and decision-maker presentations

  • Validation workshops and handover sessions

Evidence for Practical Policy

SRA develops policies that are informed by evidence, responsive to Somalia’s institutional context and practical to implement. We clearly document the evidence used, the stakeholders consulted and any limitations affecting the analysis.

Contact SRA to discuss your policy research, development or advisory requirements.