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Transforming Research into Sustainable Solutions: Applying Scientific Ideas to Solve Somali Societal Challenges

DOI: 10.18535/sshj.v9i11.2022· Pages: 9331-9350· Vol. 9, No. 11, (2025)· Published: November 12, 2025
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Abstract

In this article, the researcher investigated how scientific research effectively transformed into sustainable solutions for addressing Somalia's complex societal challenges. Grounded in Rogers' Diffusion of Innovation Theory, the research examined the mechanisms through which scientific knowledge is currently translated into practical applications and the barriers hindering this process. Using a quantitative approach with descriptive design, data was collected from 100 participants including policymakers, practitioners, and community members through structured questionnaires. Findings revealed a significant disconnect between research production and utilization (r = -0.67, p < 0.001), with 85% of participants identifying insufficient knowledge transfer mechanisms as the primary barrier (M = 4.25, SD = 0.44). Contextual adaptation of scientific solutions emerged as the strongest predictor of sustainable implementation (M = 4.50, SD = 0.32), while stakeholder engagement throughout the research process significantly correlated with solution adoption (r = 0.72, p < 0.001). Institutional capacity constraints (M = 4.10, SD = 0.50) and limited research-policy interfaces (M = 4.05, SD = 0.56) further impeded transformation of research into practice. The study concluded that bridging Somalia's research-implementation gap requires systematic approaches that integrate scientific rigor with local knowledge systems and establish knowledge translation platforms. Thus, the Federal Government of Somalia should establish a comprehensive national framework that explicitly addresses the entire knowledge-to-action continuum, clarifying roles, responsibilities, and processes for transforming research into practice; research funders and institutions should adopt and promote co-creation methodologies that engage potential research users from project inception through implementation; international partners and educational institutions should develop specialized training programs for knowledge brokers who can effectively navigate between research, policy, and practice domains in Somalia and donors, government, and private sector actors should establish dedicated funding streams that specifically target the implementation phase of the research-to-solution pathway.

Keywords

Sustainable solutionsscientific ideasSomali societal challenges

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Author details
Abshir Moalin Mohamed
Peace and Security Advocate and Peace-Building Practitionern Researcher at The Higher Institute For Security Studies. Director of Coalition for Peace-Building and Empowerment (Cope)
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