Comprehensive Analysis of the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) Landscape in Baidoa

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Project Information

HURMA Consulting was contracted by READO to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism (P/CVE) landscape in Baidoa, Southwest State of Somalia. The analysis was undertaken as part of READO's peacebuilding and social cohesion initiative funded through the Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI).

The study was designed to provide an evidence base for understanding the existing P/CVE landscape, including the local drivers of violent extremism, existing initiatives, policy frameworks, institutional arrangements, key stakeholders, gaps, opportunities and factors that influence the effectiveness of P/CVE interventions.

The analysis also sought to support the development of a State-level P/CVE Strategic Framework and provide data-driven priorities for addressing local drivers of violent extremism through people-centered and community-oriented approaches.

Assessment Objectives

• Identify the key challenges, opportunities and stakeholders involved in P/CVE efforts.
• Analyze existing P/CVE policies, frameworks, initiatives and institutional arrangements.
• Identify local drivers and factors associated with radicalization and violent extremism.
• Identify gaps, success factors and opportunities for strengthening P/CVE interventions.
• Develop data-driven priorities and recommendations to guide context-specific P/CVE interventions.
• Contribute to the development of a State-level P/CVE Strategic Framework for Southwest State.

Research & Assessment Approach

HURMA Consulting applied a participatory and collaborative methodology to develop a holistic understanding of the P/CVE context in Baidoa. The assessment combined qualitative research, stakeholder engagement, literature review, mapping, data analysis and reporting.

The research included a literature desk review, stakeholder consultations, 19 Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), three Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), mapping exercises, data interpretation and analysis, and preparation of the final report.

Inclusive Stakeholder Engagement

The assessment engaged government institutions, civil society organizations, community leaders and community members, with particular attention to women, youth, Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other community groups.

Three consultative sessions targeted government institutions, civil society organizations and local communities. The consultations generated perspectives on economic deprivation, educational needs, traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms, youth engagement, women's participation and the roles of different stakeholders in P/CVE efforts.

Key Areas of Analysis

• Drivers and risk factors associated with violent extremism.
• Existing P/CVE initiatives and their effectiveness.
• Institutional capacity and coordination mechanisms.
• Policy and strategic frameworks for P/CVE.
• Stakeholder roles, responsibilities and influence.
• Community-based prevention and peacebuilding mechanisms.
• Defection, desertion, disengagement, rehabilitation and reintegration.
• Community engagement and social cohesion.
• Strategic communications and counter-narratives.
• Research, innovation and coordination.

Stakeholder Mapping

The stakeholder analysis examined the interests, influence, roles and responsibilities of key actors involved in P/CVE. These included government institutions, security actors, justice institutions, civil society organizations, youth and women groups, religious institutions, traditional structures, research institutions, development partners and the private sector.

The assessment identified the importance of stronger multi-agency coordination, localized policy frameworks and community-driven approaches to addressing the drivers of violent extremism.

Key Findings & Opportunities

The analysis identified opportunities to strengthen social cohesion and community resilience through more localized and inclusive approaches. Stakeholder consultations emphasized the value of integrating traditional conflict-resolution mechanisms with modern approaches, increasing youth engagement, strengthening women's participation in decision-making, and developing context-specific policy frameworks.

The mapping also identified vulnerable areas and key factors contributing to radicalization and extremism, providing a basis for targeting interventions according to local risks, needs and stakeholder capacities.

Contribution to Peacebuilding & Social Cohesion

The study positioned P/CVE within a broader peacebuilding and social cohesion agenda, recognizing the importance of addressing underlying social, economic and political factors rather than relying solely on conventional countering violent extremism approaches.

The findings and recommendations provide a foundation for designing community-centered interventions and strengthening coordination among government, civil society and community actors in Southwest State.

HURMA's Contribution

HURMA Consulting provided research and analytical expertise to map and assess the P/CVE landscape in Baidoa. Its contribution included participatory research design, stakeholder engagement, qualitative data collection, landscape and stakeholder mapping, analysis of drivers and institutional gaps, and development of evidence-based findings and recommendations.

The assignment demonstrates HURMA's expertise in qualitative and participatory research, conflict analysis, P/CVE, peacebuilding, social cohesion, stakeholder engagement, institutional analysis and strategic framework development.