Learning for Impact | Local knowledge shapes better decisions. Since 2004 RVI courses have trained thousands with the context, analytical tools and networks to tackle complex challenges. Learn about RVI’s Education Programme: riftvalley.net/courses/

Do water interventions lead to more resilience in drylands? At our 5th 'pastoralism & drylands development' seminar on 9 October, Jackson Wachira and Nancy Balfour explain 'the mixed resilience outcomes of water interventions in the Horn of Africa drylands' jameelobservatory.org/padd5

XCEPT's September newsletter spotlights RVI’s six-year contribution. Research across Sudan, South Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya and Eritrea shows how borderland life is shaped by wider political and economic forces. Read here: bit.ly/3WgPjLZ

Join EWNET Seminar III: Thinking the Contemporary Through the Urban Nexus Between Academic and Policy Research on Friday, 3 Oct 2025 at 2:30–5:00 PM EAT at IPSS Addis Ababa University. RSVP here: forms.gle/kALZaKtKN7gy...

NEW REPORT | THE ROLE OF CULTURE IN CONFLICT AND PEACEBUILDING AMONG THE BALANDA AND JURCHOL COMMUNITIES IN WESTERN BAHR EL GHAZAL Madelina John Juma on how cultural expressions influence conflict and peacebuilding in South Sudan—specifically song, dance and beadwork. Full report: bit.ly/4gM5KcJ

Elizabeth Nyibol on how XCEPT built her research skills, strengthened local engagement and brought South Sudanese voices into global debate — proving locally-led research delivers trust, evidence and impact. Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=8_W1... Explore: xcept.riftvalley.net

Pamela Combinido on how the X-Border Local Research Network enabled access, shaped evidence & informed policy, showing why locally-led research & equitable Global South–North collaboration are vital for lasting impact. Watch: youtube.com/watch?v=K10P... Explore: xcept.riftvalley.net

From early-career writer to leading researcher, Joseph Diing’s journey through XCEPT explores labour, migration and conflict in South Sudan — and inspires the next generation working at the margins. Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=59f_... Explore: xcept.riftvalley.net

Nathan Shea shares how XCEPT is reshaping understanding of borderlands — centering local voices, challenging old narratives and forging global partnerships. Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=VCQg... Explore: xcept.riftvalley.net

In Episode 6 of the EWNET Podcast, Dr Muna Abubeker, Ethiopia’s first woman philologist, shares her journey in language and cultural studies, reflecting on her research, career milestones and balancing academia with motherhood. Watch: bit.ly/42fMkqu

For Dalle Ibrahim, trust is the bridge to fragile regions. His work with XCEPT ensures affected communities are not just studied, but heard, recognised and included in policy discussions. Watch: youtu.be/XwnckTESy7w?... Explore: xcept.riftvalley.net

In Episode 5 of the EWNET Podcast, Dr Netsanet Gebremichael speaks with Dr Serawit Bekele Debele about her academic journey, key works on Irreecha and revolutionary mothering and her contributions to feminist theory and political expression. Watch: bit.ly/3I0fhzZ

Sophie Stevens of FCDO on how XCEPT has influenced UK policy, supported crisis response and strengthened partnerships with local researchers to understand and navigate complex conflicts. Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=omcG... Explore: xcept.riftvalley.net

In Episode 4 of the EWNET Podcast, Dr Mercy Fekadu shares her journey into research, reflections on the research process and insights from her book 'Parliament in Ethiopia: Participation, Representation and Resistance'. Watch: bit.ly/3JMATAn

In Episode 3 of the EWNET Podcast, Dr Firehiwot Sintayehu Bahiru shares findings from her RVI/EWNET study on women researchers at Addis Ababa University, linking the outcomes to her own academic journey. Watch: bit.ly/3Vkai0d

The September edition of the RVI Newsletter is now out! Read it here: bit.ly/47yKW66 Not subscribed yet? Sign up to stay updated: bit.ly/45zBZGI

In Episode 2 of the EWNET Podcast, Weynishet Girma Ayansa and Muna Abubeker share with host Sara Bushira their journeys as researchers and mothers, balancing personal and professional life while finding clarity in their work. Watch: bit.ly/4lYd4mm

In Episode 1 of the EWNET Podcast, Dr Netsanet Gebremichale and Dalaya Ashenafi share the story behind EWNET, its role in highlighting women researchers and reflect on their own research journeys. Watch here: bit.ly/3I5DYLf

What makes XCEPT different? Joel Otieno explains: Grounded in local knowledge, focused on practical impact and built on partnerships that connect global actors to the realities of conflict-affected communities. Watch: bit.ly/4n43LCq Explore: xcept.riftvalley.net

Rose Wright shares how the UK is using XCEPT evidence to promote peace, address gender norms and respond to conflict in South Sudan and the wider region. Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIAZ... Explore: xcept.riftvalley.net

Research must reach policymakers and donors to address root causes of conflict — not just the symptoms. Hon. Pia Michael calls for cross-border insight as key to peace in South Sudan and the region. Watch: youtu.be/aN_mfP3SVEI?... Explore: xcept.riftvalley.net

Happening now: RVI forum on ‘The Political Economy of Development in Post-2018 Ethiopia.’ Speakers explore ideology, shifts in economic policy and the links between underdevelopment, political stability and democratisation.

Nicki Kindersley reflects on five years of cross-border collaboration in South Sudan and how the network has grown into a diverse research community shaping political economy research across the region. Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIYx... Explore: xcept.riftvalley.net

Luga Aquila shares how cultural practices such as ritual and song can drive powerful community-rooted research and why investing in local voices is essential for impact in South Sudan. Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=O--r... Explore: xcept.riftvalley.net

The August edition of the RVI Newsletter is out! Preview it here: bit.ly/3JqbFYr Not subscribed yet? Stay updated by signing up here: bit.ly/45zBZGI

EVENT REPORT | LAUNCH OF EWNET The inaugural event brought together women researchers in Ethiopia through keynotes, discussions and shared experiences. Read the report: bit.ly/3Uwavgi

EWNET SEMINAR SERIES REPORT | ‘WE WANT FACTORIES’ @debele.bsky.social interrogates the erasure of Ethiopian women’s political lives while mapping her scholarly journey. Read the report: bit.ly/4mMlBJU

That is a great paper he's talking about. Migrating with Seeds: Women, agricultural knowledge and displacement in South Sudan riftvalley.net/publication/...

South Sudanese-led research helped Alexander Davey navigate complex issues, target resources and take meaningful action. Research that tells real stories sparks change. Watch: youtu.be/2ZaqOglVs-c?...

Also please do keep an eye on (or subscribe to!) @rvinews.bsky.social's YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/@riftvalleyi... A lot of great content there, including interviews, highlights and full recordings from recent Nairobi Forum events.

Are you subscribed to @rvinews.bsky.social's newsletter? Latest edition is out now. Sign up here: dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/878056... Preview here: preview.mailerlite.io/emails/webvi...

CONFERENCE REPORT | CHARTING A FUTURE FOR SOCIAL PROTECTION IN SUDAN: BRIDGING RESEARCH AND POLICY STAAR and RVI outline locally led conflict-sensitive steps to adapt systems to current challenges. Read more: bit.ly/456Js1i

VACANCY | Conflict Advisor – RVI Ethiopia Join RVI in Addis Ababa to lead conflict-sensitive programming and support peacebuilding efforts. Apply by 5 August 2025. Open to nationals and those with the right to work in Ethiopia. More info: bit.ly/4oaKBw5

Sitawa Namwalie reflects on how Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o helped her reclaim language and identity through poetry and theatre. RVI supports African researchers, educators & cultural producers in efforts to make local knowledge work. Watch youtu.be/4v1XRK6flWo

Prof Kimani Njogu reflects on Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s legacy and the power of African languages in shaping a liberated, multilingual future. Watch: youtu.be/x0_KTAzHZuo?...

Following RVI’s tribute to Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Mohamed Amin Abdishukri reflects on Kenya’s long history of resistance and what today’s movements can learn. RVI supports African researchers, educators & cultural producers in efforts to make local knowledge work. Watch: bit.ly/44ZTLCM

Sitawa Namwalie reflects on how Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o helped her reclaim language and identity through poetry and theatre. RVI supports African researchers, educators & cultural producers in efforts to make local knowledge work. Watch youtu.be/4v1XRK6flWo

The Ethiopian Women Researchers Network (EWNET), an RVI-Ethiopia initiative, held its first core members onboarding on 19 July. The network supports Ethiopian women in social sciences and humanities. Congrats and welcome to all—we look forward to the journey ahead.

#Somalia and #HoA report 'Historically, [al-Shabaab] has used Somalia’s mobile phone and mobile money network to undertake tax collection [...] Since around 2022, al-Shabaab has reportedly been shifting its revenue collection and transactions towards physical cash' By @petechonka.bsky.social

Prof Kimani Njogu reflects on Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s legacy and the power of African languages in shaping a liberated, multilingual future. Watch: youtu.be/x0_KTAzHZuo?...

Following RVI’s tribute to Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, Mohamed Amin Abdishukri reflects on Kenya’s long history of resistance and what today’s movements can learn. RVI supports African researchers, educators & cultural producers in efforts to make local knowledge work. Watch: bit.ly/44ZTLCM

If you haven't already, do have a look at @petechonka.bsky.social's recent RVI report, 'Digital Governance and Security in the Horn of Africa', which looks at digital finance & social media in #Somalia, #Ethiopia & #Kenya. In-depth research and highly topical.

A powerful tribute to Prof Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o—writer, academic and radical thinker. Hear voices reflect on his legacy and impact on African literature, identity and resistance. Listen to the full conversation on SoundCloud: bit.ly/4lO8ecf

At a time of national reflection, the RVI Forum with the BIEA , Twaweza Communications, IFRA & Cheche bookstore brought together thinkers, creatives & the public to explore Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s legacy & how we reclaim African knowledge for the future. Watch highlights: youtu.be/PrmA86-SlnU

‘It made me reflect: what am I doing in my generation that is worthwhile?’ - Dr Duduzile Ndlovu on Ngũgĩ 's legacy and the unfinished work of decolonisation. At the Rift Valley Forum w/ BIEA, IFRA, Twaweza Communications & Cheche Books Sign up: bit.ly/RVInewsletter

‘I’d read it before – but today I internalised it.’ - Mickie Muchilwa on how last Satuday's RVI forum on Ngũgĩ’s legacy made her rethink who research is really for. By the Rift Valley Forum with BIEA, IFRA, Twaweza Communications and Cheche Books. Sign up: bit.ly/RVInewsletter

'Ngũgĩ’s writings explained the country I saw—when no one else dared to.' Irungu Houghton on Ngũgĩ’s legacy & reclaiming African knowledge at the Rift Valley Forum with BIEA, IFRA, TwawezaCommunications & Cheche Books. Full highlight video coming soon. Sign up: bit.ly/RVInewsletter

📢 Call for Papers WORKSHOP: Gender, Peace, and Security: Resistance and Resilience Nairobi, 1-3 December, hosted by British Institute in Eastern Africa (BIEA) with @rvinews.bsky.social ➡️ Application deadline 13 August! @statsvitenskap.bsky.social #resilience #gender #climate #peacebuilding

On Saturday July 5 we honoured Ngugi wa Thiong’o with a rich and thought-provoking tribute exploring the power of writing, language and leadership.

Ahead of the forum on Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o’s legacy, poet Sitawa Namwalie shares a powerful excerpt from the piece she’ll perform at the event reflecting on current events & the urgency of reclaiming African knowledge. Saturday 5 July | 2–4PM EAT Register: bit.ly/45QksvQ