The Hailemariam & Roman Foundation (HRF) convened a multi-stakeholder forum in Dimeka town, South Omo Zone, on June 17, 2025, to strengthen coordination and foster platform-based collaboration in the areas of Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH), animal health, and market systems development. The forum brought together representatives from federal, regional, and zonal levels, along with participants from NGOs, the private sector, and research institutions.
The event was officially opened by Ato Ma’ekel Melko, Chief Administrator of South Omo Zone, who emphasized the importance of establishing collaborative platforms to address the pressing challenges affecting livestock production and productivity in the zone. Delivering the keynote message, Ato Samuel Kekebo, Economic Advisor to the President of the South Ethiopia Regional Government, highlighted the need for integrated, community-driven approaches to tackle the interconnected challenges facing pastoral and agro-pastoral communities.
Presentations by the Zonal Water, Mines and Energy Bureau and the Animal Health Department provided an overview of existing efforts, service gaps, and strategic priorities. Additional inputs from VSF Germany and LUNA Plc offered perspectives on public-private partnerships and operational experiences in the zone.
A key outcome of the forum was the establishment and reinforcement of three technical platforms. While the WASH platform is already operational, participants agreed on measures to strengthen its effectiveness. Two new platforms—focused on animal health and market systems—were launched to enhance intersectoral coordination, joint planning, and information exchange among stakeholders.
The forum concluded with a collective commitment to advancing integrated service delivery through these platforms.
This initiative is part of the Agricultural Transformation, Food and Nutrition Security Project, which aims to transform agricultural productivity and value chain systems for increased incomes and improved food and nutrition security, focusing on Ethiopia’s pastoral and agro-pastoral communities with a gender-equitable approach.
