Empowering Communities, Building Resilient Future
Transforming the lives of pastoral communities through sustainable development and collaborative effort.
Our Vision
To be a leading local non-governmental organization in improving the quality of life for pastoralist communities by fostering sustainable development, resilience, and social equity in Ethiopia by 2040 G.C.
Our Mission
To empower pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in Gambella through integrated development programs that promote sustainable livelihoods, education, health, and social justice, while fostering peace and conflict resolution.
Our Motto
“Empowering Communities, Building Resilient Future” This motto encapsulates our core belief that true development comes from within, by empowering individuals and communities to shape their own destinies.
Our Strategic Focus Areas
Our work is structured around seven key strategic objectives designed to create lasting change in pastoral and agro-pastoral communities.
Education
We provide access to formal education for children and adults alike, bridging the education gap and fostering lifelong learning opportunities for our communities.
Healthcare
Our healthcare initiatives focus on delivering essential medical services, health education, and disease prevention strategies to improve community health outcomes.
Conflict Resolution
We promote peace and harmonious coexistence by implementing conflict resolution programs, encouraging dialogue, and fostering mutual respect among diverse community groups.
Our Genesis: A Response to Unmet Needs
The Integrated Pastoral Development Organization (IPDO) was born out of a critical understanding of the persistent challenges faced by pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in the Gambella Region of Ethiopia. Our foundation is rooted in extensive, field-based research studies spearheaded by Chayot Gatdet Deng, a respected local academic and development researcher. These rigorous investigations brought to light the systemic issues plaguing these communities, including severely limited access to formal education and essential healthcare services, deeply entrenched gender inequality, and the devastating recurrence of inter-communal conflicts. The research unequivocally demonstrated a significant void: the absence of a truly local institution with the necessary capacity and contextual understanding to effectively address these complex, interconnected problems. In direct response to this identified critical gap, IPDO was formally established as a locally driven, organic solution.
Approaches of Integrated Pastoral Development Organization:
We are committed to community-driven solutions that foster resilience and equity, ensuring that every initiative aligns with the needs and aspirations of the local population.
Community-Driven Approach
We prioritize the voices of the pastoral communities we serve, ensuring our programs are tailored to meet their unique needs and aspirations.
Evidence based approach
For IDPOs, a truly evidence-based approach is not just about using peer-reviewed studies. It must be about integrating rigorous research with Indigenous knowledge systems and community-defined evidence. This approach recognizes that the lived experiences, cultural values, and traditional wisdom of Indigenous peoples are a legitimate and essential form of evidence.
Sustainable development focus-, and Right-based approach
(IDPOs) is inextricably linked with a rights-based approach. This is because the well-being of Indigenous communities, their traditional knowledge, and their connection to the environment are fundamental to achieving genuine and lasting sustainable development.
Integrated Development approach
For us development is not just about economic or social progress, but about empowering Indigenous peoples to exercise their rights, protect their cultures, and manage their lands and resources in a way that is just, equitable, and sustainable for both present and future generations.
Join Us in Making a Difference
Your support empowers pastoral communities to create lasting change and build resilient futures. Get involved today!
Target Locations
IPDO is currently operating in host communities particularly Itang Special District because of lack of funding sources
When there is sufficient fund, it will operate in other districts in Gambella like Lare, Jekow, Makuey, Wanthoa, Akobo, Abol, Abobo, Gog, Jor, Dimma, Godere, Megesha, and Gambella Town in Gambella region
It will also work in refugees camps in Gambella such as Jewi, Nguenyyiel, Tierkide, Kule, and Pinyidu
Partners organizations
Donation
