About HORT
Transdisciplinary solutions for sustainable development across the Horn of Africa
A Think Tank Driving Change Across the Horn of Africa
HORN for Research, Training and Consultancy (HORT) is a dynamic think tank and service provider headquartered in Hargeisa, Somaliland.
We specialise in transdisciplinary solutions across Plant, Human, Animal, and Environmental Health (4H) sectors. Our purpose is to empower communities, inform policy, and drive sustainable change through high-quality research, tailored training, and strategic consultancy.
With a diverse team of local and international experts, HORT is uniquely positioned to navigate complex, fragile contexts — offering end-to-end support from needs assessments and field studies to capacity building and policy influence.
Trusted by leading organisations
What Drives Us
Our vision, mission, and values form the bedrock of every project we undertake across the Horn of Africa.
Our Vision
To be a competitive firm of choice providing transdisciplinary Research, Training, Business, Humanitarian, and Development consultancies across the Horn of Africa.
Our Mission
To provide high-quality value-based professional training and research consultancy services for institutions in Somaliland and the Horn of Africa — fostering professional growth and leadership in the 4Hs.
Our Strategic Objectives
Principles That Guide Our Work
Trust & Transparency
We build relationships rooted in openness and honesty with all partners and clients.
Excellence
We pursue the highest standards of quality in everything we do.
Integrity
We act ethically, professionally, and responsibly at all times.
Inclusion
We amplify the voices of women, youth, and marginalised groups in all interventions.
Patience & Discipline
We stay committed to long-term, sustainable change even in complex environments.
Teamwork
We thrive through shared goals, collaboration, and diverse perspectives.
A Journey of Growth & Impact
From a bold vision in Hargeisa to a recognised think tank — empowering the Horn of Africa with evidence-based solutions since 2015.
Foundation & Vision
HORT was established in Hargeisa, Somaliland by passionate Somali professionals and international collaborators with a shared vision — locally driven, evidence-based solutions to interconnected challenges facing the Horn of Africa.
Building the Foundation
HORT positioned itself as a regional hub across the 4H sectors — combining scientific expertise, indigenous knowledge, and practical innovation to deliver research, training, and consultancy services.
Growth & Recognition
HORT grew from a small research team into a recognised think tank and service provider, establishing partnerships with government institutions, international NGOs, UN agencies, and regional bodies.
Impact & Legacy
Successfully delivered 50+ projects across agriculture, livestock, climate adaptation, food security, M&E, and capacity building — maintaining commitment to quality, inclusivity, and sustainability.
Core Competencies
HORT brings a strong blend of technical expertise, contextual understanding, and inclusive methodologies trusted across the Horn of Africa.
Integrated 4H Expertise
Deep cross-sectoral knowledge in Plant, Human, Animal, and Environmental Health enabling systems-based analysis.
Gender-Responsive Research
Proven track record designing programmes that uplift women, youth, and persons with disabilities.
Community-Driven Approaches
Skilled in PRA tools, focus groups, and community-led design to co-create context-specific solutions.
Mixed-Methods Evaluation
Strong capacity in qualitative and quantitative data collection combining surveys, impact evaluations, and ethnographic tools.
Policy-Oriented Research
Translating field findings into actionable policy recommendations supporting evidence-based decision-making.
Technology Transfer
Scaling innovation through agribusiness incubation, SME coaching, value chain development, and entrepreneurship training.
MEL Systems
Design and implementation of M&E systems tailored to donor frameworks with emphasis on adaptive learning.
Capacity Building
Customised training for individuals, ToTs, and institutions across nutrition, climate adaptation, and livelihoods.
Environmental Assessments
Ecosystem analysis, disaster preparedness, and promotion of nature-based solutions for climate-affected communities.
Project Management
Experience managing multi-partner projects with FAO, DKH, INADES Formation, CIRAD, and others.
How We Work
At HORT, impactful solutions are inclusive, data-driven, and locally grounded. Our approach combines cutting-edge methodologies with deep regional expertise.
Our Methodologies
Actively involving communities in problem identification, solution design, and implementation.
For environmental assessments, land use planning, and infrastructure targeting.
Real-time data collection using KoboToolbox, ODK, and SurveyCTO.
Integrated analysis of climate vulnerability and ecosystem change.
Client-Centred Customisation
Each engagement begins with a detailed needs assessment to match tools, teams, and timelines to your goals.
We remain flexible throughout the project lifecycle, adjusting inputs based on evolving needs or field realities.
We co-design solutions with clients, communities, and partners to build ownership and relevance.
M&E Framework
Leadership & Expertise
A diverse team of Somali and international professionals guiding HORT's strategic direction with deep expertise in research, humanitarian response, and development policy.
Executive Director
Lead Consultant
🇸🇴 SomaliA respected expert in agricultural systems, rural livelihoods, and development consulting with over 15 years managing donor-funded programs across East Africa. Provides strategic guidance, partnership leadership, and technical oversight.
Technical Director
Networking & Liaison
🇸🇴 SomaliA seasoned humanitarian and development practitioner with 20+ years building networks with UN agencies, INGOs, and government institutions. Strengthens HORT's regional footprint and collaborative partnerships.
Technical Director
Finance & Business Development
🇸🇴 SomaliAn expert in financial growth, market expansion, and risk management. Ensures HORT's financial sustainability and operational excellence, leading client relationship management and new business opportunities.
Technical Director
Research & Development
🌍 InternationalA global development researcher with experience across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Leads rigorous research frameworks, supervises data collection, and ensures outputs meet international standards.
Technical Director
Human Resources & Training
🌍 InternationalSpecialist in human nutrition, animal health, and adult learning methodologies. Leads HORT's training programs — designing ToT frameworks, leadership coaching, and institutional capacity-building initiatives.
Where We Focus Our Expertise
Guided by the 4H framework — Plant, Human, Animal, and Environmental Health — we address the Horn of Africa's most pressing development challenges.
Livestock Development
- Livestock health and disease management
- Breeding, husbandry, and productivity enhancement
- Disease surveillance and early warning systems
- Fodder value chain and feed security
- Livestock insurance and risk management
Agriculture & Food Security
- Climate-smart and sustainable farming practices
- Crop production, irrigation, and soil fertility
- Agribusiness development and value chains
- Farmer field schools and extension support
- Food systems innovation and technology transfer
Environmental Management
- Natural resource management and conservation
- Climate change adaptation and mitigation
- Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA)
- Community-Based Natural Resource Management
- Disaster risk reduction and ecosystem restoration
Policy Development & Governance
- Policy analysis, formulation, and regulatory design
- Institutional capacity strengthening and reform
- Strategic planning and organizational development
- Stakeholder engagement, coordination, and advocacy
- Accountability and policy implementation tracking
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)
- Program monitoring and performance assessment
- Baseline, midline, and endline studies
- Impact evaluations and lessons-learned documentation
- Real-time data collection, visualization, and reporting
- Adaptive management and results-based learning
5 Core Thematic Areas · 4H Integrated Framework · 50+ Specialized Services
Transforming ideas into action — generating evidence for decision-making and empowering communities for sustainable outcomes.
Comprehensive Development Solutions
Multidisciplinary services grounded in scientific evidence, guided by community priorities, and driven by commitment to sustainable impact across the Horn of Africa.
Research, Evaluation & Learning
High-quality research and evaluations generating reliable data and actionable insights for decision-makers.
- Baseline, midline, and endline surveys
- Impact and feasibility studies
- Participatory and qualitative research
- Knowledge management and innovation assessments
- Theory of Change design and results-based monitoring
Agriculture, Livestock & Natural Resources
Sustainable agricultural and livestock systems to improve food security and rural livelihoods.
- Value chain development (crop and livestock)
- Agribusiness and cooperative strengthening
- Animal feed production and emergency distribution
- Technology transfer and climate-smart agriculture
- Rangeland and natural resource management
Human & Community Development
Enhancing human well-being and community resilience through inclusive and transformative approaches.
- Health and nutrition assessments
- Women, population, and environment linkages
- Disability-inclusive and gender-responsive programming
- Youth leadership and capacity building
- Education and community engagement programs
Environmental & Climate Change Services
Environmental solutions that promote ecological balance and climate resilience.
- Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA)
- Climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies
- Ecosystem and watershed assessments
- Disaster risk reduction and early warning systems
- Nature-based solutions for sustainable resource management
Training, Capacity Building & Advisory
Strengthening institutional and individual capacities through tailored training and advisory programs.
- Customized training for NGOs, CSOs, and government staff
- Trainer-of-Trainers (ToT) and vocational programs
- Leadership development and coaching
- Business development and SME advisory
- Organizational development and project management
Technical Documentation & Strategic Communication
Helping organizations capture, communicate, and share their achievements and learning effectively.
- Proposal development and donor reporting
- Policy briefs, case studies, and success stories
- Knowledge product design and publication
- Workshop, conference, and stakeholder facilitation
- Strategic communication and advocacy content
Integrated Solutions for Sustainable Impact
Evidence-based, inclusive, and transformative solutions that build resilience and promote development across the Horn of Africa.
Transforming Lives Across the Horn of Africa
Impact reflected in lives transformed, ecosystems restored, and systems strengthened — not just measured in numbers.
Policy Influence
Evidence-based research has informed national and regional policies in sustainable land management, agricultural productivity, and climate adaptation — shaping data-driven governance strategies.
Technology Adoption
Enabled smallholder farmers and pastoralists to adopt innovative technologies — push-pull pest management, biocontrol methods, and desert locust control — increasing productivity while protecting the environment.
Livelihood Resilience
Farmer field schools, vocational training, and business advisory programs have strengthened household economies and improved food security — particularly for women and youth.
Capacity Strengthening
Targeted training programs for 600+ National Youth Servicemen, Local Authorities, and community leaders across agriculture, pesticide safety, environmental protection, and emergency response.
Gender & Inclusion
Every project integrates gender equality and social inclusion, ensuring women, youth, and persons with disabilities are active participants in shaping interventions and sharing outcomes equitably.
Climate & Environmental Impact
Environmental impact and climate adaptation assessments have shaped climate-resilient programs across fragile ecosystems — promoting nature-based solutions and long-term community resilience.
Our Commitment
From empowering individuals to influencing policy at scale, HORT's impact reflects our dedication to quality, inclusion, and sustainability — transforming evidence into action across the Horn of Africa.
Tangible, Measurable Results
Each engagement — research, training, or consultancy — contributes to stronger institutions, empowered communities, and resilient ecosystems.
Strengthened Institutional Capacity
Supported the growth and performance of government departments, NGOs, and community-based organizations through targeted training, capacity building, and organizational development — enhancing accountability and effectiveness.
Improved Livelihoods & Food Security
Agricultural and livestock initiatives improved production efficiency, value chain integration, and market access — resulting in increased income and food security for smallholder farmers and pastoralists.
Enhanced Policy & Governance Frameworks
Policy research, strategic planning, and advisory support helped develop governance frameworks that promote transparency, sustainable resource management, and inclusive development.
Empowered Women & Youth
Gender-responsive and youth-focused approaches enabled hundreds of women and young people to acquire leadership, business, and technical skills — taking active roles in decision-making and community transformation.
Advanced Environmental Sustainability
Environmental assessments and climate adaptation projects have strengthened resilience, promoted sustainable land use, and supported nature-based solutions for ecosystem restoration in fragile landscapes.
Strengthened Evidence for Decision-Making
Rigorous research, impact evaluations, and knowledge-sharing platforms generated reliable evidence that informs policy, guides programming, and enhances data-driven development across the region.
Expanded Regional Partnerships
Strategic alliances with FAO, DKH, CIRAD, and INADES Formation ensure innovation, learning, and coordinated action — demonstrating HORT's credibility and alignment with global best practices.
Delivering Impact Across the 4H Framework
Building on achievements — deepening partnerships, expanding reach, and driving lasting impact across Plant, Human, Animal, and Environmental Health.
Why Choose Us
We combine global standards with local understanding to deliver measurable, inclusive, and sustainable outcomes across the Horn of Africa.
Transdisciplinary Expertise
Local and international professionals delivering integrated expertise across Plant, Human, Animal, and Environmental Health — addressing challenges holistically through the 4H framework.
Deep Contextual Understanding
Hands-on experience across Somalia, Somaliland, Kenya, and the wider region. Our contextual knowledge enables culturally appropriate, realistic, and sustainable interventions.
End-to-End Solutions
Full-cycle services — from research design and data collection to analysis, training, and policy advisory — ensuring consistency and measurable results throughout the project lifecycle.
Participatory & Data-Driven Methods
Technology-enabled tools including GIS mapping, mobile-based surveys, and mixed-method research generate accurate, actionable data that drives sound decision-making.
Inclusive & Impact-Focused
Programs prioritize gender equity, youth empowerment, and disability inclusion — ensuring all community members have a voice and delivering results that are measurable, scalable, and sustainable.
Proven Track Record & Integrity
Successful collaborations with FAO, DKH, CIRAD, and INADES Formation demonstrate our credibility and alignment with global best practices. We uphold professionalism, transparency, and accountability.