A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed on 24 June 2022 between PENHA and Jigjiga University (JJU) in the Somali Regional State in Ethiopia for collaboration in research, capacity building, expertise exchange programme and resource sharing. The MoU was signed by Ms Sadia Musse Ahmed, PENHA Somaliland Country Representative, and Dr. Bashir Abdullahi, President of Jigjiga University during the ‘International conference on pastoral governance, drought resilience, and rangeland management ‘ held in Jigjiga between 24 and 26 June 2022. The MoU signing ceremony was attended by several people including Dr. Samuel Tefera, PENHA Associate and Assistant Professor of Addis Ababa University; as well as JJU staff members. PENHA appreciates the commendable efforts put forward by several people in developing the PENHA-JJU partnership.
Furthermore, during the conference, Ms Ahmed of PENHA presented a paper on ‘PENHA “Ideas into Action” Research-Project Implementation-Policy’ and was able to establish and strengthen partnerships with the various stakeholders that promote sustainable pastoral development. At the international conference, about 40 research papers were presented by different experts that focus on including resilience, climate change, rangeland management, policy and governnace.
Jigjiga University (JJU) is the first higher institution in the Somali Region of Ethiopia established in 1999 EC (2006/7 GC) as recognised by the order of Council of Ministers Regulation No. 226/2011. The JJU has placed particular emphasis on pastoral/agro-pastoral studies and established the Institute of Pastoral and Agro-pastoral Development Studies (IPADS) where it advances pastoralist and agro-pastoralist development and policy causes.
Photo credit: Jigjiga University (JJU), June 2022
