Advocate for change

About project

The Peaceful Understanding and Reconciliation for Pastoralist Livelihood Enhancement (PURPLE) Project is a consortium-led initiative promoting peaceful coexistence, resilience, and inclusive development among pastoralist communities living along the borders of Oromia, Afar, and Somali regions of Ethiopia. Led by the Wako Gutu Foundation (WGF) in partnership with sister organizations PAPDA, APDA, RIRA, and GWEDE, this initiative empowers communities to resolve conflicts peacefully, strengthen indigenous institutions, and build resilient livelihoods amid growing climate and resource challenges. Together, we are rebuilding trust across borders, empowering local peace actors, and restoring livelihoods affected by conflict and climate shocks. As we continue this journey, we invite all partners, stakeholders, and community members to join us in shaping a future of peace, dignity, and shared prosperity for generations to come.

Project Components

We focus on key areas to create meaningful and lasting impact with our partners.

Advocacy

Advocating for improved policies and new peace-building strategies among pastoral communities.

Community Resilience Building

Enhancing local disaster committees to prevent drought-induced conflicts.

Local Capacity Building

Strengthening local community knowledge and capacity on peace and conflict to promote peaceful coexistence.

Our Success Stories

Transforming lives and communities through our work.

Interregional Peace through Sports.

Interregional Youth Integration for Lasting Peace through Cross-Border Sports in Peacebuilding

Restoring Trust through Peacebuilding

Conflict and mistrust have long strained relations between Somali and Oromo pastoralist communities

A Decrease in Conflict along the Afar–Oromo Border

Trust is being rebuilt, lives have been saved, and pastoralist families now move more freely in search of grazing without fear of constant attacks.

Empowering Women through Economic Business Groups

The PURPLE Phase II Project, revitalized communities by focusing on womens economic empowerment.

Our Core Commitments

Three essential messages driving our mission for peace and stability.

Building Peace Across Borders

Empowering Communities, Strengthening Peace

The PURPLE Project fosters peaceful coexistence among border-sharing communities in Oromia, Afar, and Somali regions. By enhancing local resilience to conflict, we are paving the way for sustainable peace and mutual understanding across Ethiopias pastoral areas.

Local Voices, Lasting Change

Advancing Inclusive Peacebuilding

Through collaboration with regional and local peace actors, PURPLE strengthens institutions and promotes policy environments that support long-term peace, dialogue, and cooperation among diverse communities.

Restoring Livelihoods, Rebuilding Hope

Resilient Livelihoods for Peaceful Futures

PURPLE supports disaster-affected pastoral families to rebuild their livelihoods and strengthen their resilience to drought and conflict, helping communities move from vulnerability to stability and prosperity.

Testimonials

Product used by Somali-Oromo Women Group

"Thanks to the PURPLE peace project, we have moved from conflict to peace & hope. Women lead dialogue, children play, markets thrive, and celebrations return. We cherish this peace and commit to preserving it with WGF support"

Somali-Oromo Women Group

Product used by Hadha Siqqee Halima Dhoko

"As women, we faced conflict directly and indirectly. Many misunderstand our role. Some blame us, others see us as peacemakers. The truth: we seek peace most, carrying vital responsibilities. We strengthen social ties and foster peaceful coexistence in our communities."