The objective of the study was to carry out a comprehensive baseline survey in order to: provide benchmark information for measuring project achievements and impact at the project objectives and result levels (with specific indicators); conduct an in-depth analysis into the causes of food insecurity; carry out a vulnerability analysis that includes the identification of seasonal and longer term risks linked to the environment and the creation of vulnerability profile; identify appropriate interventions and associated target groups that will address food insecurity and support livelihoods in the long term.

Researchcare Africa carried out baseline evaluation on Emergency Assistance and Basic Services for Drought and Conflict-Affected IDPs and Host Populations project in Mogadishu, Afgoye and Baidoa. The project was implemented by Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in partnership with SOS Children Villages and Save Somali Women and Children (SSWC). The baseline study covered 2080 participants for health, nutrition and protection sectors of the project. From the above, 1,120 were respondents were randomly sampled to participate in the health survey, 560 for nutrition while 400 households, (mainly female respondents) were selected for the protection survey. The study mainly employed quantitative survey methodology. The baseline was conducted to establish the initial conditions of the IDPs in Mogadishu, Baidoa and Afgoye regarding current nutrition and protection services. The baseline assessment also builds upon the indicators in the proposal to the donor.