The overall purpose of the evaluation was to assess the outcomes of the pilot phase of the programme (May 2012 – April 2014), and to provide Forum Syd with lessons learned and good practices to strengthen the design of the programme in Somalia.

The previous policy framework for Swedish development cooperation with Somalia highlighted the need to facilitate the constructive use of knowledge, skills and expertise among Swedish Somalis living in Sweden in the reconstruction process in Somalia through a facility to involve Somali diaspora in Sweden in development cooperation with Somalia. Forum Syd supports through the facility approximately 20 projects that enable Swedish-Somali diaspora organisations to implement development projects in partnership with local partner organisations in Somaliland, Puntland and South-Central Somalia.

SPG undertook a detailed desk study to carefully analyse the programme context, including conflict dynamics and drivers for change in Somalia, and developed a clear understanding of programme design and implementation. The evaluation team also conducted interviews with a large number of stakeholder including Forum Syd management and staff, Somalia diaspora organisations, Sida, as well as local actors during the field visits to Somaliland and Puntland. During the field studies, SPG studied seven project cases with which SPG met and interviewed staff and stakeholder.

An evaluation report has been presented to Forum Syd, responding to the evaluation objectives and highlighting strengths of the programme and outlining lessons that can be drawn from the pilot phase in future programming.

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