QULQUL field work

Research. Innovation.
Development.

Creating a continuous flow of research, Innovation, and Development that strengthen institutions, empower communities, and accelerate sustainable development across East Africa.

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Projects Completed
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Research Studies
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Strategic Partners
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Communities Reached
East Africa
Regional Reach
QULQUL team at work
Who We Are

An independent catalyst for research and sustainable development

Vision

To become East Africa's leading catalyst for the continuous flow of knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development, empowering resilient communities, strong institutions, and healthy ecosystems.

Mission

To generate knowledge, strengthen institutions, build capacity, and deliver innovative technical solutions that create a continuous flow of sustainable development, resilient livelihoods, and inclusive economic growth across East Africa.

6 Focus Areas
14 Core Services
East Africa
Established 2018
The Meaning of QULQUL

Somali for "flow" — a continuous movement

QULQUL is inspired by the Somali word for flow. Just as flowing water sustains life, QULQUL represents the flow of research into policy, knowledge into action, and innovation into lasting impact.

Where We Work

Six interconnected areas

Where research, policy, and practice come together to drive resilient development.

Blue Economy, Marine & Fisheries

Blue Economy, Marine & Fisheries

Sustainable oceans, fisheries, coastal communities, and marine biodiversity.

Explore →
Agriculture & Food Systems

Agriculture & Food Systems

Food security, climate-smart agriculture, and resilient value chains.

Explore →
Climate Change & Environmental Sustainability

Climate Change & Environmental Sustainability

Climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, and nature-based solutions.

Explore →
Governance & Institutional Development

Governance & Institutional Development

Policy development, strategic planning, and public sector reform.

Explore →
Capacity Building & Leadership

Capacity Building & Leadership

Professional training, leadership development, and institutional excellence.

Explore →
Research, Data & Learning

Research, Data & Learning

High-quality research, M&E, impact assessments, and evidence for decision-making.

Explore →
Our Services

Integrated technical services

We provide the full range of technical services needed to turn knowledge into action.

Applied Research
Policy Analysis & Development
Technical Advisory
Strategic Planning
Institutional Strengthening
Capacity Development
Programme Design
Project Management
Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning
Environmental & Social Assessments
Data Collection & Analytics
Training & Facilitation
Stakeholder Engagement
Knowledge Management
Latest News

Stories from the field

Updates, insights, and stories from our work.

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Our Partners

Collaborating for greater impact

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QULQUL community

Be part of the flow of knowledge and impact.

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Research. Innovation. Development.

An independent research, policy, and sustainable development organization creating a continuous flow of knowledge, innovation, and impact across East Africa.

The Meaning of QULQUL

Somali for "flow"

QULQUL is inspired by the Somali word for flow — a continuous movement that connects people, knowledge, ideas, and opportunity. Just as flowing water sustains life, QULQUL represents the continuous flow of research into policy, knowledge into action, innovation into solutions, and partnerships into lasting impact.

Our name reflects our belief that sustainable development is not a single project or intervention, but an ongoing process of learning, collaboration, and transformation.

River / flow imagery
Team / community photo
Who We Are

About QULQUL

QULQUL is an independent research, policy, and sustainable development organization dedicated to creating a continuous flow of knowledge, innovation, and practical solutions that improve lives across East Africa.

We partner with governments, development agencies, academic institutions, civil society organizations, communities, and the private sector to generate evidence, strengthen institutions, build capacity, and implement sustainable development initiatives.

Our work bridges research and practice by transforming evidence into policies, strategies, programmes, and measurable impact that strengthen communities, protect natural resources, and promote inclusive economic growth.

At QULQUL, we believe that lasting development happens when knowledge, people, and opportunities move together.

Vision

To become East Africa's leading catalyst for the continuous flow of knowledge, innovation, and sustainable development, empowering resilient communities, strong institutions, and healthy ecosystems.

Mission

To generate knowledge, strengthen institutions, build capacity, and deliver innovative technical solutions that create a continuous flow of sustainable development, resilient livelihoods, and inclusive economic growth across East Africa.

Our Philosophy

Development is a continuous journey

We believe development is a continuous journey — not a one-time intervention. Real progress happens when research informs policy, institutions build local capacity, innovation solves real-world challenges, and communities are empowered to lead their own development. QULQUL exists to keep this cycle moving.

Core Values

What guides our work

Integrity

We uphold the highest ethical and professional standards.

Excellence

We pursue quality and evidence in everything we do.

Innovation

We embrace new ideas that solve complex development challenges.

Collaboration

We believe meaningful impact comes through partnership.

Accountability

We are transparent and responsible to our partners and communities.

Sustainability

We design solutions that deliver long-term environmental, social, and economic benefits.

Inclusiveness

We ensure everyone has opportunities to participate and benefit.

Professionalism

We deliver reliable, objective, and high-quality services.

Respect

We value people, cultures, knowledge, and diversity.

Our Development Flow

One connected cycle

Everything we do follows one continuous flow: Research → Knowledge → Innovation → Capacity Building → Policy → Implementation → Sustainable Impact.

01 · Research

Generating rigorous, evidence-based knowledge.

02 · Knowledge

Translating findings into usable insight.

03 · Innovation

Designing practical, context-driven solutions.

04 · Capacity Building

Strengthening the people and institutions who carry the work forward.

05 · Policy

Shaping evidence-based policy and strategy.

06 · Implementation

Delivering programmes on the ground.

07 · Sustainable Impact

Measuring and sustaining long-term change.

Where we work

Six interconnected areas of expertise where research, policy, and practice come together to drive resilient, inclusive development across East Africa.

Blue Economy, Marine & Fisheries

Supporting sustainable oceans, fisheries, coastal communities, marine biodiversity, and blue economic development.

Overview · Challenges · Solutions · Projects

Agriculture & Food Systems

Strengthening food security, climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness, rural livelihoods, and resilient value chains.

Overview · Challenges · Solutions · Projects

Climate Change & Environmental Sustainability

Promoting climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, environmental governance, and nature-based solutions.

Overview · Challenges · Solutions · Projects

Governance & Institutional Development

Strengthening institutions through policy development, strategic planning, organizational development, and public sector reform.

Overview · Challenges · Solutions · Projects

Capacity Building & Leadership

Developing people and institutions through professional training, leadership development, technical learning, and mentorship.

Overview · Challenges · Solutions · Projects

Research, Data & Learning

Producing high-quality research, monitoring and evaluation, impact assessments, data analytics, and evidence for decision-making.

Overview · Challenges · Solutions · Projects
Our Services

Integrated technical services

Across every focus area, we provide applied research, policy analysis, technical advisory, strategic planning, institutional strengthening, capacity development, programme design, project management, monitoring & evaluation, environmental assessments, data analytics, training, stakeholder engagement, and knowledge management.

Discuss a project
Field work / advisory session

Integrated technical services

From applied research to knowledge management, we provide the full range of technical services needed to turn evidence into action.

Research

Applied Research

Rigorous, evidence-based research designed to answer real development questions.

Policy

Policy Analysis & Development

Turning evidence into actionable policy recommendations and frameworks.

Advisory

Technical Advisory

Expert guidance for partners navigating complex development challenges.

Planning

Strategic Planning

Helping institutions define clear, achievable strategic direction.

Institutions

Institutional Strengthening

Building the internal systems and structures institutions need to thrive.

Capacity

Capacity Development

Training and mentorship that builds lasting local capability.

Programmes

Programme Design

Designing development programmes grounded in evidence and local context.

Delivery

Project Management

End-to-end delivery of complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

MEL

Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

Tracking what works, and feeding lessons back into better programming.

Environment

Environmental & Social Assessments

Assessing environmental and social risk and impact for major initiatives.

Data

Data Collection & Analytics

Rigorous data collection and analysis that supports better decisions.

Learning

Training & Facilitation

Professional training and facilitation for institutions and teams.

Engagement

Stakeholder Engagement

Structured, inclusive engagement with the people affected by our work.

Knowledge

Knowledge Management

Capturing and sharing what we learn so it can be reused and built upon.

Work With Us

Discuss a service

Tell us about your organization's needs and we'll get back to you about how we can help.

Contact our team
Advisory session photo

Projects by thematic area

Our work is organized around six thematic areas. Explore each area below, and the projects underway within it.

Thematic Area

Blue Economy, Marine & Fisheries

Supporting sustainable oceans, fisheries, coastal communities, marine biodiversity, and blue economic development.

Coastal Fisheries Resilience Programme
Ongoing

Coastal Fisheries Resilience Programme

Strengthening sustainable fisheries management with coastal communities.

Thematic Area

Agriculture & Food Systems

Strengthening food security, climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness, rural livelihoods, and resilient value chains.

Climate-Smart Value Chains Initiative
Ongoing

Climate-Smart Value Chains Initiative

Building resilient agribusiness value chains for rural livelihoods.

Thematic Area

Climate Change & Environmental Sustainability

Promoting climate resilience, ecosystem restoration, biodiversity conservation, environmental governance, and nature-based solutions.

Ecosystem Restoration Partnership
Ongoing

Ecosystem Restoration Partnership

Nature-based solutions for coastal and inland ecosystem recovery.

Thematic Area

Governance & Institutional Development

Strengthening institutions through policy development, strategic planning, organizational development, and public sector reform.

Institutional Strengthening Programme
Completed

Institutional Strengthening Programme

Supporting public sector reform and organizational development.

Thematic Area

Capacity Building & Leadership

Developing people and institutions through professional training, leadership development, technical learning, and mentorship.

Leadership & Technical Learning Programme
Ongoing

Leadership & Technical Learning Programme

Training the next generation of development practitioners.

Thematic Area

Research, Data & Learning

Producing high-quality research, monitoring and evaluation, impact assessments, data analytics, and evidence for decision-making.

Regional Evidence & Data Initiative
Completed

Regional Evidence & Data Initiative

Monitoring, evaluation, and impact assessment across programmes.

Research & publications

A look at the kind of research QULQUL produces — papers, briefs, and reports connecting evidence to action.

Research Paper

Coastal Fisheries Resilience in East Africa

April 2026

An assessment of how coastal fishing communities are adapting to shifting fish stocks and changing ocean conditions, drawing on household surveys and catch data from multiple coastal districts.

Read the full paper → Download PDF ↓
Working Paper

Climate-Smart Agriculture Value Chains

December 2025

An analysis of how climate-smart agricultural practices are being integrated into rural value chains, and what it will take to scale them across additional farming communities.

Read the full paper → Download PDF ↓

Resources

Guides, templates, toolkits, and training materials to support partners and communities.

All
Guides
Templates
Toolkits
Training Materials
Infographics
Videos
Guide

Community Engagement Field Guide

PDF · Add link when available
Download ↓
Toolkit

Monitoring & Evaluation Toolkit

PDF · Add link when available
Download ↓
Template

Project Proposal Template

DOCX · Add link when available
Download ↓
Training

Facilitator Training Materials

PDF · Add link when available
Download ↓
FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can anyone use these resources?

Yes — our guides and toolkits are freely available to partners, researchers, and communities.

How do I request a resource that isn't listed?

Reach out through our Contact page and we'll point you in the right direction.

Careers at QULQUL

Join a team working at the intersection of research, policy, and practice across East Africa.

All Openings
Vacancies
Internships
Consultancies
Volunteer
Vacancy

Research Officer

Add role description, location, and requirements here once the position is finalized.

Internship

Programme Intern

Add role description, duration, and eligibility here once the position is finalized.

Consultancy

Monitoring & Evaluation Consultant

Add scope of work and application deadline here once the position is finalized.

Volunteer

Community Outreach Volunteer

Add time commitment and location here once the opportunity is finalized.

How to Apply

Application process

Review the opening that fits your background, then send your CV and a short cover letter through our Contact page. We review applications on a rolling basis and will follow up if there's a fit.

Apply now
Team photo

Get involved

There are many ways to support QULQUL's work — as a partner, volunteer, member, or donor.

Partner With Us

Collaborate with QULQUL on research, programming, or policy work across East Africa.

Start a conversation →

Volunteer

Contribute your time and skills to our community-facing programmes.

Get in touch →

Donate

Support applied research, training, and programme delivery with a financial contribution.

Donate →

Membership

Become a long-term supporting member of the QULQUL community.

Learn more →

Collaborate

Co-design research, publications, or programmes with our technical teams.

Reach out →

Support Our Work

Spread the word, share our research, and help extend our reach.

Read our latest work →

Get in touch

We'd love to hear from you — whether you're a partner, researcher, journalist, or community member.

Contact Information

Reach our team

Office Location

Mogadishu, Somalia

Email

info@qulqul.org

Phone

+252 XX XXX XXXX

Office Hours

Sunday – Thursday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

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Send a Message

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Support our work

Your support helps us generate research, strengthen institutions, and deliver sustainable development outcomes across East Africa.

Why Donate

Every contribution keeps the flow moving

Donations fund applied research, community programmes, training, and the institutional partnerships that turn evidence into lasting impact.

Beyond individual giving, we welcome corporate partnerships and long-term collaborations with organizations who share our commitment to sustainable development.

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Online giving

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Stories from the field

News, announcements, and stories from across our work in East Africa.

Coastal Fisheries Resilience in East Africa

Research Paper · April 2026

Coastal Fisheries Resilience in East Africa

This paper presents findings from a multi-district study of fisheries resilience along the East African coast. Drawing on household surveys, catch records, and interviews with fishers and local officials, it documents the adaptation strategies communities are already using in response to shifting fish stocks and unpredictable seasons.

Methodology. Data collection combined structured household surveys (n=​​​), semi-structured interviews with fishing cooperative leaders, and secondary analysis of available catch records across the study period.

Key findings. Communities are diversifying target species, adjusting the timing and location of fishing trips, and, in some cases, exploring alternative income sources during lean seasons. However, adaptation is constrained by limited access to weather and ocean data, and inconsistent enforcement of sustainable fishing practices.

Recommendations. The paper recommends investment in accessible early-warning and ocean-data tools for fishing communities, stronger links between local cooperatives and regional governance bodies, and expanded support for alternative livelihood options during low-catch periods.

This is placeholder text standing in for the full paper. Replace this section with your complete methodology, findings, tables, and citations when the final version is ready.

Download PDF ↓ ← Back to Research & Publications

Climate-Smart Agriculture Value Chains

Working Paper · December 2025

Climate-Smart Agriculture Value Chains

This working paper examines the integration of climate-smart agricultural practices into rural value chains, with a focus on what has supported — and what has limited — adoption among smallholder farmers.

Context. Rural agricultural communities face increasing climate variability, which is reshaping planting cycles, water availability, and market timing. Climate-smart practices aim to build resilience while maintaining or improving yields.

Findings. Adoption is strongest where farmers have access to reliable extension services, affordable inputs, and stable buyers willing to pay for climate-resilient produce. Where any of these are missing, adoption stalls even when farmers are aware of the practices.

Scaling considerations. The paper outlines a set of conditions that appear necessary for scaling climate-smart practices across additional farming communities, including coordinated extension support, access to affordable financing, and stronger links between farmer groups and buyers.

This is placeholder text standing in for the full paper. Replace this section with your complete analysis, data tables, and citations when the final version is ready.

Download PDF ↓ ← Back to Research & Publications