About PURPLE Project

Background
Ethiopias federal system embraces diverse ethnic and cultural identities. The Afar, Oromia, and Somali regions are home to pastoralist communities whose livelihoods depend on livestock and mobility. Historically, these communities maintained peaceful coexistence through intermarriage, shared resources, and indigenous conflict resolution systems that emphasized dialogue, tolerance, and mutual benefit. However, in recent years, these mechanisms have come under strain. Between 2017 and 2020, inter-boundary conflicts intensified, leading to mass displacement, loss of life, and destruction of property. Political manipulation, propaganda, and competition over resources deepened mistrust among communities. At the same time, environmental degradation and recurring droughts heightened pressure on scarce resources. This combination of political and environmental stress disrupted traditional systems, weakened social cohesion, and destabilized livelihoods across the three regions.

Consortium Formation and Project Launch
To respond to this growing crisis, three regional civil society organizations: Wako Gutu Foundation (WGF), Pastoralist Concern Association (PAPDA), and Friendship Support Association (FSA), formed a consortium in 2021 for first phase of the PURPLE Project. Later, additional partners—Afar Pastoralist Development Association (APDA), Rift Valley Initiative for Rural Advancement (RIRA), and Global Women Empowerment and Development Ethiopia (GWEDE) joined the initiative. With financial support from Brot fur die Welt and Diakonie ACT Austria, the consortium united its regional expertise to restore peace, strengthen local capacities, improve policy environment and support livelihoods affected by conflict and climate shocks.

The PURPLE (Peaceful Understanding and Reconciliation for Pastoralist Livelihood Enhancement) project, led by Wako Gutu Foundation (WGF) and partnered in partnership with Partnership for Pastoral Development Association (PAPDA), Afar Pastoralist Development Association (APDA), Global Women Empowerment Development – Ethiopia (GWEDE) and Rift Valley Initiative for Rural Advancement (RIRA), has been underway since August 1, 2023. This two-year initiative operates in the border districts of Oromia, Afar, and Somali regions. Initially targeting 27 Kebeles across 9 Woredas, it has expanded in phase II to 34 Kebeles in 12 districts due to growing community needs. The project main goal is to foster interregional peace and stability among these border communities. The PURPLE Project is an ongoing peacebuilding initiative that fosters peaceful co-existence among cross-border pastoralist communities while strengthening their livelihoods and resilience.

Peaceful, prosperous, and resilient pastoralist communities living in harmony across Ethiopias pastoralist regions.

To promote peaceful coexistence, strengthen indigenous peace institutions, and enhance the livelihoods and resilience of pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities in the Afar, Oromia, and Somali regions.

Where we work
Regions: Oromia, Afar, Somali
Coverage:34 Kebeles across 12 Woredas and 8 Zones
Target Population:Pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities affected by conflict and climate shocks