A major breakthrough in data collection and analysis is underway in Somalia, thanks in large part to the technical leadership of WorldPop in a transformative new project aimed at strengthening evidence-based planning in one of the world’s most data-scarce countries.
The initiative, “Generation of Socio-Demographic Data for Evidence-Based Programming in South-Central Somalia,” marks the first time that modern ground data collection technologies and methodologies have been fully developed and implemented within Somalia.
Led by the Somalia National Bureau of Statistics (SNBS), with strong support from WorldPop and key partners including UNFPA Somalia, the UK Office for National Statistics, and FCDO Services, and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the project aims to collect high-quality demographic, socioeconomic, and health data from over 50,000 households across five districts.
WorldPop’s contribution has been central to one of the project’s most critical innovations: the development of a standardised national sampling frame. For the first time, Somalia has a robust method to generate pre-census Enumeration Areas (PreEAs), using WorldPop’s automated PreEA Tool. This tool leverages satellite imagery and visible ground features such as roads and waterways to create reliable, geographically grounded sampling units.
This new sampling frame is the foundation for the field data collection now being led by SNBS and will also support geospatial modelling to estimate population characteristics in hard-to-reach or insecure areas, a major advancement for humanitarian planning and development policy.
Under the leadership of SNBS, and with support from various partners, the Bureau have developed a comprehensive dashboard for monitoring ground data collection. The dashboard is built entirely using Esri’s ArcGIS Survey123 platform, ensuring that data collection is not only scalable and secure but also locally owned and operated. Through this effort, SNBS has established internal capacity to lead future surveys and potentially a full national census.
“This collaboration showcases the power of combining cutting-edge geospatial science with local leadership,” said WorldPop project lead, Dr Sarchil Qader. “We are honoured to contribute tools and expertise that enable Somalia to take ownership of its data future.”
As this initiative moves forward, project leaders are calling on the global development and donor community to support its expansion across the country to pave the way for a more informed and equitable future for Somalia.
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