*July 25, 2025*

A research validation workshop highlighting agropastoralist knowledge was held in Dimeka, South Omo Zone.

The two-day Research Validation Workshop, focused on “Agropastoralist Education and Learning from South Omo,” concluded on July 24, 2025, in Dimeka. The event provided a platform to present and review community-led research addressing critical local challenges.

The research projects were funded by SOAS University of London, with the workshop organized in partnership with the Institute of Peace and Security Studies (IPSS) at Addis Ababa University and the South Omo Research Center (SORC) of Jinka University.

Twelve research papers aimed at identifying local solutions for pastoralist challenges in education, health, animal production, and livelihoods were presented.

Dr. Yohannes Yitbarek, President of Jinka University, in his concluding remark emphasized the significance of collaboration to enhance resource efficiency.

Reflecting this commitment, Jinka University will launch small grant programs to empower agropastoralist researchers to conduct further studies on community-wide issues.