The Eastern Development Initiative (EDI) has launched its innovative peacebuilding project after signing a partnership with the Life & Peace Institute (LPI) on April 1, 2025. The “Community-led conflict Transformation Through Participatory Action Research (PAR)” project aims to address the root causes of conflict and promote sustainable peace in various communities in Dirr Dawa and Harar.
Addressing Ethiopia’s Peace Challenges Through Community Empowerment
The project will use innovative participatory approaches to help communities become responsible for conflict resolution processes.
The partnership marks a crucial advancement in our work of creating strong and united communities through local participation according to Girma Tufa Executive Director of EDI. The project will develop enduring peace solutions that resolve the specific issues of Dire Dawa and Harar by placing local communities at the forefront of peacebuilding efforts and building sustainable peace in the two sister cities.
Project Scope and Implementation
The project will be carried out in 11 kebeles, 9 in Dire Dawa and 2 in Harar (pilot test). The participants will engage in conflict analysis sessions that will help them to identify the root causes of conflicts and develop local peace action plans.
Innovative Approach to Conflict Transformation
The project bases its operations on Participatory Action Research (PAR) as its main methodology to create peacebuilding interventions through inclusive dialogue and collective action. The method strengthens local ownership and legitimacy through the use of traditional conflict resolution systems.
The project stands out because it prioritizes community leadership according to Girma who serves as Executive Director at EDI. The project establishes spaces where communities can study their conflicts deeply to identify fundamental sources before working together to establish their own solutions.
Looking Ahead
The project implementation phase at EDI and LPI will produce significant results including better social unity and improved conflict resolution abilities of local actors and better relationships between community members and government representatives. The project duration extends until December 30, 2025.
For additional details about the Community-led Conflict Transformation project or ways to support this initiative please reach out to contact@ediethiopia.org.
About Eastern Development Initiative (EDI):
The grassroots civil society organization Eastern Development Initiative works to develop sustainable peace and development in eastern Ethiopia by building community engagement and capacity while taking collaborative action.
