ABOUT US
HURDO's Theory of Change
From Humanitarian Need to Lasting Change
Our Theory of Change explains how HURDO works with communities, partners and local structures to address immediate needs, strengthen resilience and contribute to long-term, inclusive and sustainable change in Somalia. It is an organization-wide change model, not a project logframe. Strategic outcomes below are proposed for HURDO management approval and are not presented as already achieved results.
Strategic outcomes, indicator areas and this organizational model are proposed for HURDO management approval. They are not official targets and are not presented as already achieved results.
The problem
What problems does HURDO address?
Communities in Somalia face interconnected challenges, including conflict, displacement, poverty, limited access to essential services, protection risks, climate shocks and exclusion. Women, children, youth, persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups are disproportionately affected. This statement draws on HURDO’s published identity and programme mandates; it does not introduce new unpublished statistics.
Our belief
What HURDO believes
When people are supported, protected, included and empowered, they can strengthen their resilience and shape better futures for themselves, their families and their communities.
Proposed language pending HURDO management approval.
Core theory
How HURDO expects change to happen
IF crisis-affected and vulnerable communities have equitable access to quality protection, health, nutrition, WASH, education and humanitarian services; AND IF women, youth and vulnerable households have improved livelihoods, skills, economic opportunities and capacities to withstand shocks; AND IF women, girls, children, youth, persons with disabilities and marginalized groups are protected, included and able to participate meaningfully in decisions affecting their lives; AND IF communities and local structures are strengthened to promote social cohesion, climate resilience, accountability and locally led solutions; AND IF HURDO works through strong local partnerships, accountable systems, evidence, learning and community participation; THEN communities will be safer, healthier, more resilient, inclusive and increasingly self-reliant; CONTRIBUTING TO peaceful and sustainable development in Somalia.
THE CURRENT REALITY
Where the journey begins
Communities in Somalia face interconnected challenges, including conflict, displacement, poverty, limited access to essential services, protection risks, climate shocks and exclusion. Women, children, youth, persons with disabilities and other marginalized groups are disproportionately affected. This statement draws on HURDO’s published identity and programme mandates; it does not introduce new unpublished statistics.
- Recurring humanitarian crises
- Displacement
- Protection risks
- Poverty and weak livelihoods
- Limited access to essential services
- Gender inequality and social exclusion
OUR PATH
Five integrated pathways
When people are supported, protected, included and empowered, they can strengthen their resilience and shape better futures for themselves, their families and their communities.
- SG2Protection, Rights & Inclusion
Safer, more inclusive communities where women, girls, children and vulnerable groups can exercise their rights.
Protection & Safeguarding · Women & Youth Empowerment
- SG1Essential Services & Humanitarian Response
Equitable access to quality health, nutrition, WASH, education, MHPSS and timely humanitarian assistance.
Water, Sanitation & Hygiene · Mental Health & Psychosocial Support · Primary Health Care & Nutrition · Education & Skills Development · Humanitarian Response
- SG3Livelihoods & Economic Resilience
Stronger livelihoods, skills and economic opportunities for resilient households and communities.
Livelihoods & Economic Empowerment · Women & Youth Empowerment
- SG4Resilient, Peaceful & Empowered Communities
Stronger local capacities, social cohesion, participation and resilience to conflict and climate-related shocks.
Women & Youth Empowerment · Climate Resilience & Recovery · Peacebuilding & Social Cohesion
- SG5Localization, Partnership & Accountable Systems
Stronger local leadership, partnerships and institutional capacity for sustainable impact.
OUR IMPACT
Resilient, inclusive and self-reliant Somali communities in which women, men, children and young people live safely, exercise their rights, access essential services and economic opportunities, and participate meaningfully in peaceful and sustainable development.
Stronger people. Stronger communities. A brighter Somalia.
- TodayImproved opportunities and access
- TomorrowGreater resilience and local capacity
- TogetherA brighter Somalia
HURDO’s interventions contribute to:
- Immediate changes
- Stronger capacities
- Greater resilience
- Long-term impact
OUR CROSS-CUTTING COMMITMENTS
Integrated across all pathways
- Gender equality and women's leadership
- Disability and social inclusion
- Safeguarding and PSEA
- Accountability to affected people
- Localization and community leadership
- Conflict sensitivity / do no harm
- Climate and environmental responsibility
- MEAL, evidence and learning
OUR INSTITUTIONAL ENABLERS
Foundation for change
- Governance and leadership
- People and technical capacity
- Financial management
- Procurement and operations
- MEAL and data management
- Partnerships and coordination
- Risk management and compliance
- Field presence and local knowledge
Short-term outcomes
- Improved access to essential services
- Improved knowledge and skills
- Increased protection and inclusion
- Improved access to livelihood opportunities
- Increased community participation
- Improved referral and access pathways
- Improved capacity of local structures
- Improved community response capacity
Intermediate outcomes
- Safer communities
- Healthier households
- Economically resilient families
- Empowered women and youth
- Stronger community institutions
- Improved social cohesion
- More inclusive decision-making
- Greater climate and crisis resilience
- Stronger local ownership
Outputs
- People access essential services
- Community structures strengthened
- Individuals trained
- Livelihood opportunities supported
- Referral pathways strengthened
- Communities engaged
- Local actors strengthened
- Feedback mechanisms operational
Assumptions
Conditions that must hold for the change pathways to remain valid. These are not results.
- Communities can participate meaningfully in programme design and feedback.
- Humanitarian access remains possible in operational areas.
- Government and community structures are willing to cooperate.
- Sufficient financial and technical resources are available.
- Local services and markets remain functional enough to support interventions.
- Trained structures retain and apply capacities.
- Women, youth and marginalized groups can participate meaningfully.
- Shocks do not completely overwhelm local systems.
- HURDO maintains effective institutional systems.
External factors HURDO does not control
HURDO can influence some conditions through programming and partnerships, but does not control this environment.
- Conflict and insecurity
- Political and policy environment
- Climate shocks, drought and flooding
- Displacement dynamics
- Economic and market conditions
- Funding environment
- Government capacity
- Disease outbreaks
- Humanitarian access constraints