The Story of RIRA: A Commitment to Rural Advancement
The story of the Rift-valley Initiative for Rural Advancement (RIRA) begins with a deep-rooted commitment to the pastoralist and agro-pastoralist communities of Oromia, Ethiopia. Inspired by the resilience of these populations and recognizing the significant challenges they faced in livelihoods, food security, and environmental stability, the vision for a new kind of organization was born.
In 2009, this vision was transformed into action. Founder Mr. Abdi Ahmed, alongside his friends and fellow development practitioners, established RIRA as a non-profit, non-political, and non-religious Ethiopian resident charity. Their goal was to create a grassroots organization that would work in direct partnership with local populations, putting community initiative, participation, and capacity building at the heart of its strategy.
RIRA began its journey by focusing on some of the most underserved areas in the region, including the interior pockets of the Fantale district in East Showa zone and the west Hararge pastoralist district. These communities, rich in culture and potential, were identified as being among the most underdeveloped in Oromia, facing significant barriers to progress.
From these beginnings, RIRA has grown into a respected organization dedicated to fostering community-led change. Originally registered in 2009, RIRA has maintained its legal status in good standing, recently re-registering under the new Civil Society Proclamation 1113/2019. Our story is one of partnership, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in the power of local initiatives to create a better, more sustainable future for the communities we serve.
