Advancing research for|
LAAPS is a multidisciplinary research and advisory institute working across the Horn of Africa. We turn complex evidence into practical, sustainable solutions for fragile contexts.
Applied research, advisory design, MEAL, and institutional learning for fragile and fast-changing contexts.
LAAPS is a research-led institute rooted in the Horn of Africa, with deep contextual focus on Somalia and Somaliland. We close the evidence‑to‑action gap by connecting rigorous analysis with operational reality in fragile and rapidly changing systems.
Vision
A future where policy and investments in fragile contexts are guided by rigorous learning and practical solutions.
Mission
Translate complex evidence into decision‑ready solutions through applied systems analysis, supporting confident action.
Core values
Integrity · Applied relevance · Contextual intelligence · Inclusion · Learning & adaptation · Collaboration
Our Core Values in Action
Our value lies in connecting rigorous analysis with the operational realities of fragile and rapidly changing contexts.
Evidence with Integrity
We uphold rigorous, transparent, and independent analysis that withstands scrutiny and informs real decisions.
Applied Relevance
We prioritize analysis that is practical, usable, and directly relevant to policy, programme, and investment choices.
Contextual Intelligence
We ground our work in the political, economic, and social realities of fragile and rapidly changing systems.
Inclusion & Equity
We integrate gender and social inclusion to ensure analysis reflects diverse realities and does not reinforce vulnerability.
Learning & Adaptation
We promote continuous learning and adaptive use of evidence to strengthen institutional effectiveness over time.
Collaboration
Working in partnership with institutions and communities to strengthen evidence quality, relevance, and uptake.
Research & policy pillars
climate, governance and social inclusion are cross‑cutting lenses across all themes.
Environmental sustainability
Rangelands, water & land, coastal systems, NbS.
Climate risk & resilience
CRVA, anticipatory action, climate security, finance, early warning.
Rural economy & food systems
Household economy, markets, social protection, nutrition, energy links.
Energy access & green transition
Renewable energy, productive uses, policy & extractives (research only).
Research Focus Areas
Environmental Sustainability
Degraded ecosystems and unsustainable resource use threaten rural livelihoods and resilience. This pillar focuses on understanding, protecting, restoring and sustainably managing natural resources.
- → Rangeland systems and pastoral resources
- → Water and land systems in Drylands environments
- → Water, land, and coastal systems (blue economy)
- → Nature-based Solutions
Climate Risk & Resilience
Communities and systems face recurrent climate shocks. This pillar addresses climate change as a systemic risk multiplier affecting livelihoods, infrastructure, governance, and social stability.
- → Climate Risk & Vulnerability Analysis (CRVA)
- → Climate change adaptation and mitigation pathways
- → Early warning systems and anticipatory action
- → Climate security and conflict linkages
Rural Economy & Food Systems
Rural economies remain highly exposed to climate stress, volatile markets, and weak safety nets. Understanding how households, markets, and food systems function under stress.
- → Livelihood systems and household economies
- → Food systems and nutrition pathways
- → Markets, trade, and value chains
- → Social protection and shock-responsive systems
Energy & Green Economy
Energy gaps constrain productivity and adaptive capacity in rural areas. Viewing energy as an enabler of resilience, livelihoods, and inclusive economic transformation.
- → Renewable energy systems
- → Energy for productive and social uses
- → Energy policy and governance
- → Links between energy access and rural economies
Consultancy & Advisory Division
Evidence-based advisory services for policy, programme design, and investment decisions in fragile contexts.
Applied Research & Analytics
CRVA, HEA, market analysis, risk modeling, governance.
Programme Design & Advisory
ToC development, resilience programming, adaptive design.
MEAL Services
Baselines, evaluations, outcome harvesting, accountability systems.
Capacity Building
Applied training, executive learning, analytical skills development.
Safeguards & Compliance
Environmental & social risk, ESMP, do-no-harm assessments.
Our Approach
LAAPS operates at the intersection of research, policy, and practice. We bridge disciplines—combining social science, policy analysis, systems thinking, and applied research.
Evidence-to-Action
We translate complex evidence into practical decision pathways, supporting institutions to act with confidence in uncertain contexts.
Systems Thinking
We examine interconnected challenges across climate, governance, livelihoods, and social systems to identify leverage points for change.
Partnership-Based
We strengthen local analytical capacity so that impact endures beyond individual projects, building long-term institutional capability.
Recent assignments
Selected projects demonstrating our analytical capabilities and regional expertise.
Framework agreement: reach, policy & technical advisory
Household Economic Analysis & Anticipatory Action planning
Workshop: locally funded anticipatory action + organisational risk register
Marketable assessments for vocational training (6 towns, Somalia)
5‑year strategy & Program Quality Toolkit
Household Economic Analysis (Somalia)
Institutional Structure
LAAPS operates with a clear governance and management structure to ensure accountability, quality, and integrity.
Executive Director
Strategic leadership and external engagement with partners and stakeholders.
Deputy ED – Programs
Oversight of research and consultancy delivery across all thematic areas.
Deputy ED – Operations
Finance, HR, procurement, compliance, and safeguarding coordination.