The project aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of the achievements of the Borana Integrated Community Development Project (ICDP) by strengthening local ownership, institutional capacities and community-led systems. It supports women, young people, local service providers and community structures to sustainably manage livelihood, education, health, water and peacebuilding initiatives, thereby increasing resilience to climate and socio-economic shocks.
Directly involved are approx. 5,600 people (3,300 women and 2,300 men), including women and youth groups, pastoralist households, adult literacy learners, students, and community members. Indirectly, the project will benefit approximately 28,200 people across five target districts.
Borana Zone in southern Ethiopia is predominantly inhabited by pastoralist communities whose livelihoods depend heavily on livestock and seasonal rainfall. Recurrent droughts, climate change, environmental degradation and limited access to basic services continue to threaten the livelihoods of pastoralist communities. Women and young people are particularly affected by limited economic opportunities and restricted participation in decision-making processes. Previous phases of the ICDP Project successfully improved livelihoods, strengthened women's economic empowerment, expanded access to education, health and water services, and promoted peacebuilding. This final phase focuses on consolidating these achievements and ensuring that communities and local institutions can sustain them independently in the future.
The development organisation SCORE, founded in 1972, works under the Social and Development Commission of the Vicariate of Soddo. The organisation works with an integrated community-based development approach.