Community-Based Solutions

Our Work

Integrated programs that address root causes of insecurity and build lasting peace across Somalia

What We Do

The Somali Peace & Security Foundation (SPSF) delivers locally grounded, prevention-focused programmes that address the structural, social, and economic drivers of insecurity and violent extremism in Somalia. Our work is rooted in community realities and informed by local conflict dynamics, cultural norms, and existing resilience mechanisms.

We focus on early prevention, community resilience, and protection-centered responses that reduce vulnerability to radicalization, strengthen social cohesion, and support peaceful coexistence.

Locally Grounded

Rooted in community realities and context

Prevention-Focused

Early intervention and root causes

Protection-Centered

Community resilience and safety

Our Key Areas of Work

Five integrated pillars that drive sustainable peace and resilience

Area 01

Preventing Radicalization and Violent Extremism

SPSF implements community-level interventions that reduce the risk of recruitment into violent extremist and criminal networks. We engage at-risk youth, women, religious leaders, and community influencers to promote critical thinking, peaceful alternatives, and positive identity formation.

Our work prioritizes:

  • Youth engagement and mentorship
  • Community dialogue and trust-building
  • Alternative narratives rooted in culture, faith, and coexistence
  • Reintegration and community acceptance initiatives
Area 02

Community Resilience and Social Cohesion

We strengthen local conflict prevention and reconciliation mechanisms by supporting inclusive platforms that bring together youth, women, elders, and traditional authorities. SPSF reinforces existing community capacities to manage disputes peacefully and prevent escalation into violence.

Our approach builds:

  • Inter-group trust and cooperation
  • Community-led mediation structures
  • Peaceful problem-solving skills
Area 03

Food Security and Livelihoods as Prevention Tools

SPSF integrates economic empowerment into peace and security programming, recognizing that poverty, exclusion, and lack of opportunity increase vulnerability to radicalization.

We support:

  • Skills development and vocational pathways
  • Youth and women-led income generation
  • Livelihoods linked to community stability and dignity
Area 04

Protection of Vulnerable and Marginalized Groups

We apply community-based protection approaches that enhance safety, dignity, and access to services for internally displaced persons, minorities, women, and children. SPSF works with communities to identify protection risks and strengthen local response mechanisms.

Our protection work emphasizes:

  • Do-No-Harm and conflict sensitivity
  • Inclusion of marginalized voices
  • Community accountability and safeguarding
Area 05

Engagement with Religious and Traditional Leaders

Recognizing their influence and legitimacy, SPSF partners with religious scholars and traditional leaders to promote peace, tolerance, and social cohesion. We support leaders to act as positive role models and counter harmful narratives through credible, values-based messaging.

How We Deliver Impact

SPSF's work is guided by proven principles and frameworks

Strong Community Relationships

Local acceptance and trusted partnerships

Context-Specific Programming

Conflict-sensitive and adaptive approaches

Gender and Youth Inclusion

Empowering diverse voices and leadership

Safeguarding & Accountability

Robust protection and compliance systems

National Framework Alignment

Aligned with peace and security strategies

Scalable, Measurable, and Adaptable

Our programmes are designed to be scalable, measurable, and adaptable, enabling effective collaboration with donors, government institutions, and consortia partners.

Join Us in Building Peace

Partner with SPSF to create lasting impact across Somali communities. Together, we can strengthen resilience and promote sustainable peace.