About Us | Caravans of Development Consultancy (CoD)

Who We Are

Development rooted in local context

Caravans of Development Consultancy (CoD) is a research firm that operates in sub-Saharan Africa. A group of professionals decided to respond to the need for consultants who are well acquainted with the local culture — noting that development is a technical as well as a social process if credible alternatives and sustainable development are to be realised.

CoD has offices in Mogadishu and Nairobi. It is this technical capacity and deep knowledge of the local context that makes CoD one of the leading capacity-development and research consultancy firms in Africa, with highly qualified and skilled personnel drawn from a range of backgrounds and experience.

The firm works across governmental and non-governmental institutions — delivering institutional capacity assessment and development, third-party monitoring and verification, statistics, research, policy formulation and strategic planning that help organisations grow and deliver lasting results.

Areas of Specialization

Three pillars of expertise

CoD is a leader in organisational capacity development, research and policy across sub-Saharan Africa.

Organisational Development & Institutional Strengthening

We are a leader in organisational capacity development — delivering innovative employee capacity-building, retention and performance strategies and comprehensive capacity assessments that produce fact-based solutions. Our assessments and tailor-made trainings, including work for the Ministry of Environment in Puntland, have been recognised by stakeholders such as the World Bank and UNDP.

Research, Monitoring & Evaluation (RME)

We give donors the evidence and accountability they need — proof that funding delivers real change for beneficiaries. Among the top consulting firms in this sector in Somalia, we apply quantitative and qualitative techniques such as sampling, longitudinal analysis and rapid appraisals, backed by digital data-collection tools like Kobo Toolbox.

Policy Development & Analysis

We develop national-level government policies, review existing ones and set up monitoring frameworks to track implementation and progress — emphasising relevance, impact and sustainability, and training senior staff to put the policies we design into practice.

Key Capabilities

What sets CoD apart

Institutional governance and capacity development — the strengths that make us one of the leading research and capacity-development firms in the region.

Experience in the Somali Context

Field teams and senior advisors with direct experience across the regions where we work, and long-standing relationships with local stakeholders and government bodies that keep our findings accurate and actionable.

Community Outreach & Research

We partner with local and international authorities to engage communities, help prevent youth recruitment into extremist organisations, and address the root causes of insecurity fuelled by climate change and instability.

Experience in Somalia’s Statistical Landscape

As Somalia modernises its statistics infrastructure, we work closely with local statistical bodies, deepening our institutional knowledge to deliver robust, enriched insight into the statistical sector.

Household Data Collection

Extensive experience conducting household data-collection exercises across regions and demographics — surveys, interviews, consultations and community meetings that yield accurate, reliable data.

Independent Monitoring & Verification (IMV)

One of the leading IMV firms in Somalia, delivering independent judgment on service quality in remote and inaccessible areas using real-time monitoring tools that reduce extractive third-party data collection.

Assessments & Evaluations

Nationwide needs assessments, baseline studies and evaluations delivered — sometimes simultaneously across the country — for institutions such as GIZ, Save the Children, UNICEF and the World Bank.

Utilization of Technology

We leverage mobile applications and digital tools for data capture, streamlining interventions and ensuring real-time access to reliable, high-quality data.

Adherence to Data Protection Guidelines

Staff trained to comply with Data Protection Operational Guidelines (DPOG) and strict privacy and consent standards throughout data collection.

Capacity Development, Trainings & Policy Development

We assess institutions — governmental and non-governmental — then design and implement capacity-development plans, policies, legal frameworks, manuals and strategic-planning documents.

Environmental Protection & Climate Change

Sustainable interventions that contribute to environmental protection and community resilience to climate-change effects, backed by constant awareness and stakeholder engagement.

About Caravans of Development