iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

On 6–7 October, #EWNET hosts a Regional Writing Workshop & Research Seminar at Dire Dawa University. Day 1: Writing Workshop · Invitation only · 8:30–17:00 Day 2: Public Seminar · Open to all · 8:30–12:30 Details: tinyurl.com/mtkju62j

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Coffee earns Ethiopia billions and supports more than 15 million people. Yet smallholder farmers still see little benefit. Beyond the Beans follows the power behind that gap, from land and licences to patronage and illicit trade. Read the report: tinyurl.com/bdhwurzf

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Is 'local' always positive? Can a poem be historical evidence? What stands between women researchers and publication? These questions shaped the EWNET Review of Books Seminar, where authors traced the road from fieldwork to print, from access to slow reviews. Event summary: tinyurl.com/3u9kkebx

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Shipping disrupted. Hormuz closed. Sudan's war widening. What kind of order is emerging around the Red Sea, and at whose expense? A Region in Flux, with @arabreforminit.bsky.social, the Folke Bernadotte Academy and the Rift Valley Institute. Thu 1 Oct, 16:00 EAT Register: tinyurl.com/msp38msj

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

25 years after RVI was founded, knowledge grounded in the experiences, perspectives and realities of people in the region remains as important as ever. As we mark #RVI25, we reflect on why locally grounded knowledge matters for the future. Read: tinyurl.com/RVI25Narrative

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

How did “making local knowledge work” become RVI’s slogan? As RVI grew, it invested in local researchers and training while working to create a more level playing field with outside researchers. Full story: youtube.com/watch?v=OWYH... Explore RVI@25: rvi25.riftvalley.net #RVI25

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

Why does good policy fail to translate into change on the ground for pastoralists? RVI's Head of Programmes, Michael Odhiambo, explores this in a presentation for the Centre for Research and Development in Drylands on the gap between policy and practice. Watch: www.youtube.com/watch?v=qduNVzAPZZs

youtube.com

Pastoralism and Policy; Is Good Policy Enough? | CRDD Plenary discussion by Michael Odhiambo.

YouTube video by Centre for Research and Development in Drylands

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

25 years of making local knowledge work, new research on Ethiopia’s coffee economy, Somali diaspora humanitarianism & analysis across RVI’s network. Catch up on the latest from RVI in our September newsletter: Read: tinyurl.com/RVINewslette... Subscribe: tinyurl.com/RVINewsletter

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

RVI began in the middle of a war. Co-founders John Ryle and Jok Madut Jok encountered a crisis few outsiders could reach or document. Their decision to investigate helped set RVI in motion. Listen to the full story: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWYH... Explore RVI@25: rvi25.riftvalley.net #RVI25

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

What gets missed when we understand humanitarianism mainly through formal aid systems? A special issue of @AfricaSpectrum explores #Somali #diaspora humanitarianism, guest edited by Nauja Kleist and RVI Executive Director Mark Bradbury. Read more: tinyurl.com/mtrenxhr 🧵 1/2

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

CALL FOR APPLICATIONS RVI’s Peace Research Facility invites applications from graduate students, early-career researchers and policy practitioners under 35 to explore nationalism, belonging and political community in Ethiopia. Apply: tinyurl.com/n68ehec2

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

Making local knowledge work is a long-term practice. John Ryle, co-founder of the Rift Valley Institute, reflects on the ideas that shaped RVI, what has sustained its work over 25 years and why locally grounded knowledge still matters. Watch the full conversation: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OWYH...

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Eight books. 65+ participants. One day of lively reading, debate and exchange. On 4 September, authors, reviewers, researchers and early career scholars gathered at Addis Ababa University for the first ever #EWNET Review of Books Seminar. #Ethiopia #Research 🧵1/4

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 08/09/2026

Coffee is more than a commodity. It is deeply connected to livelihoods, markets, governance and conflict. Our latest report examines the political economy of coffee in the Sidama–Gedeo–Guji belt of southern Ethiopia. Read more: tinyurl.com/8ebtxt75

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Today we launch RVI@25. This year marks 25 years since RVI was founded in August 2001. Over the next year, we’ll reflect on 25 years of research, education and training, public dialogue, culture and heritage. rvi25.riftvalley.net #RVI25 #MakingLocalKnowledgeWork

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Amid Sudan’s worsening conflict, Sudanese civilians are finding new ways to build pathways to peace. Join RVI and the Global Centre for Pluralism in Nairobi on 10 September to launch the Global Pluralism Monitor: Sudan and discuss civil society, pluralism and peace. Details: tinyurl.com/3vzzwhk7

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

On 4 September, #EWNET launches its Review of Books Series, a platform for books by women researchers in social sciences and humanities. 8 books · Reviews · Author dialogues · Roundtable · Book signing Ras Mekonnen Hall, AAU, 9:00–16:30 Details: tinyurl.com/4pv9hb2s

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

NEW BLOG | RVI RESEARCH FEATURED IN JEAS SPECIAL COLLECTION Explore a new special collection of the Journal of Eastern African Studies, @jeasjournal.bsky.social, featuring RVI research on how religion, ethnicity and politics intersect in urban conflict in Ethiopia. Read more: tinyurl.com/34256ysf

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

VACANCY We are looking to hire an Operations, Grants and Procurement Officer to support the Somali Dialogue Platform with grants, procurement, political engagement and task order activities. Must have the right to work in #Somalia. Apply: tinyurl.com/yuv2vh9u

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

The latest from the Rift Valley Institute; a research exchange in Jigjiga, #Ethiopia, new podcast episodes, and two new studies on Somalia and the Somali diaspora. Read the August newsletter: tinyurl.com/RVINewslette... Subscribe to our mailing list: tinyurl.com/RVINewsletter

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

EWNET PODCAST | EPISODE 8 In Episode 8, EWNET members Konjit Hailu (PhD) and Elshaday Hagos discuss their research journeys, from women entrepreneurs and work-life balance to technology, peace and conflict. Listen here: tinyurl.com/EWNETPodep8

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

What do #Somali citizens think about elections, legitimacy and governance during #Somalia’s political transition? Navigating Political Transition, by Somali Public Agenda with RVI’s Somali Dialogue Platform, draws on a poll of 928 respondents. Read more: tinyurl.com/5n889jbm

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

EVENT REPORT | SHECONF 2026 Researchers, practitioners and academics gathered in Addis Ababa for the inaugural SHECONF, convened by EWNET, to examine gender, power and knowledge production in Ethiopia. Read more: tinyurl.com/ykajeak2

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

Learn what's happening across the Rift Valley Institute in our July Newsletter. Explore the latest research, insights, stories and updates from across the RVI's programmes and work. Read it here: tinyurl.com/RVINewslette... Subscribe to our mailing list: tinyurl.com/RVINewsletter

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

The Somali translation of the D-HUM policy brief is now available. The brief explores how Somali diaspora communities mobilise humanitarian support during crises, and the challenges they face. Read it here: tinyurl.com/3wxvtc5z 🧵1/2

tinyurl.com

Kaalmada Qurbojoogta waa u muhim gurmadka degdegga ah ee gobolada Soomaalida

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

BRIEFING PAPER: STATE CAPTURE IN AFRICA How do elite networks undermine democracy, development and security? Nic Cheeseman explores how state capture operates across Africa and what can be done to strengthen accountability and governance. Read more: tinyurl.com/y9a4th3s

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

EWNET Ep 7: Bridging Research and Policy with Practice For 25 years, the Women, Peace and Security agenda has evolved beyond participation to tackle financing, institutional change and patriarchy. Samiha Abdulmelik shares lessons from the field. Listen: tinyurl.com/5t59k9rz

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Eastern Africa’s geopolitical landscape is changing. This brief, produced following discussions convened by BIEA, Chatham House and RVI, explores the implications for regional order, conflict and cooperation. Read more: tinyurl.com/5hx7hyxd

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 18/06/2026

“The vast amount of research on the ground in somewhere like the Horn of Africa is done by researchers from the locations in question.” In Ep. 5 of the Beyond Series, Freddie Carver reflects on who shapes research agendas and whose voices are heard. Listen: tinyurl.com/BeyondXCEPT5 🧵1/2

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

“My sense is there’s a huge appetite for information and not just to consume information, but to stimulate dialogue.” In Ep. 5 of the Beyond Series, David Deng reflects on the importance of creating spaces for public dialogue. Listen: tinyurl.com/BeyondXCEPT5 🧵1/2

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

“One of the counterparts to the question of who sets the agenda, who’s doing the research, is who’s the audience?” In Ep. 5 of the Beyond Series, Jason Mosley reflects on how research priorities are shaped and whose questions get asked. Listen: tinyurl.com/BeyondXCEPT5 🧵1/2

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 12/06/2026

How is knowledge produced, and who gets to shape it? A new article from #SHECONF2026 reflects on conversations around gender, power, conflict, culture and the role of research in public life. Read more: tinyurl.com/SHECONF26

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 08/06/2026

Our June 2026 RVI Newsletter is here! Catch up on the latest stories, insights, research and updates from across the Rift Valley Institute's work and programmes. Read: tinyurl.com/RVINewslette... To receive future editions, subscribe to our mailing list: tinyurl.com/RVINewsletter

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 05/06/2026

"Women are running these foundational networks of trade across borders." In Ep. 4 of the Beyond Series, Nicki Kindersley reflects on the central role women play in sustaining livelihoods, economies and connections across Sudan and South Sudan. Listen: tinyurl.com/BeyondXCEPT4 🧵1/2

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

“Women are not just passive victims of conflict, or of poverty, or of climate shocks.” In Ep. 4 of the Beyond Series, Dalle Ibrahim highlights how women traders sustain livelihoods and drive economies across the Mandera tri-border region. Listen: tinyurl.com/BeyondXCEPT4 🧵1/3

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

“It’s not the absence of order, rather it’s a space governed by its own rules.” In Ep. 4 of the Beyond Series, Sahra Ahmed Koshin challenges assumptions about informal trade, arguing that these economies operate through their own systems and relationships. Listen: tinyurl.com/BeyondXCEPT4 🧵1/3

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

When participants are fully engaged, learning goes further. RVI Bespoke Courses are designed to deliver interactive, relevant and impactful learning experiences tailored to your organisation's needs. Learn more: tinyurl.com/RVIBespokeCo...

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 29/05/2026

“…she managed to sneak out of town.” In Ep. 3 of the Beyond Series, Deng Kuol recounts how his aunt smuggled a small quantity of sorghum seed out of occupied Abyei while families were living through displacement and conflict. Listen: tinyurl.com/BeyondXCEPT3 🧵1/3

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

“...cassava can be changed into livestock or cash money, which can be used for bridewealth.” In Ep. 3 of the Beyond Series, Luga Aquila reflects on how one cassava variety became tied to marriage, wealth and social status in Pojulu society. Listen: tinyurl.com/BeyondXCEPT3 🧵1/3

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 28/05/2026

Have you read our May newsletter yet? This month: reflections on leadership and the Pan-African imperative, drylands resilience, programme updates and the latest from the Beyond XCEPT podcast series. Read: tinyurl.com/yhsayrb3 Subscribe: tinyurl.com/RVINewsletter

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 19/05/2026

Global power shifts are reshaping politics, economics and conflict across eastern Africa. How are regional institutions, governments and civil societies responding? Join the British Institute in Eastern Africa, @africaprog.bsky.social and RVI on 21 May at 11am EAT. Register: tinyurl.com/eafriwo

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 18/05/2026

In Ep. 2 of the Beyond Series, @petechonka.bsky.social reflects on how unemployment, digital connectivity and inequalities in global mobility are shaping migration aspirations among young people in Hargeisa. Listen: tinyurl.com/BeyondXCEPT2 Learn about the project: xcept.riftvalley.net

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

In Ep. 2 of the Beyond Series, Joseph Diing reflects on how social media shapes migration aspirations among young people in South Sudan’s borderlands, where images of success abroad can fuel dangerous journeys northward. Listen: tinyurl.com/BeyondXCEPT2 Learn more: xcept.riftvalley.net

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 13/05/2026

Across the Gulf of Aden, trade btwn Somali & Yemeni communities still relies on trust, clan networks & long-standing ties that predate modern borders. Khalif Abdirahman reflects on these cross-border systems in Ep.2 of the Beyond Series. Listen: tinyurl.com/BeyondXCEPT2 Learn: xcept.riftvalley.net

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 12/05/2026

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 06/05/2026

RVI delivers tailored training for governments, UN agencies and civil society—co-designed to address country-specific and institutional needs across key sectors. Learn more: tinyurl.com/RVIBespokeCo...

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

RVI’s Head of Programmes, Michael Odhiambo, will be speaking at #GLFAfrica2026 on ‘resilience from below’. Focusing on drylands, he will address pastoralist knowledge and its role in drylands policy and investment. More info & free online registration: events.globallandscapesforum.org/africa-2026/

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Africa is at a turning point. More than 10 governments have unconstitutionally fallen since 2020. Institutions are weakening. The global order is shifting. A new generation is demanding change. Who is failing Africa and who will lead it forward? Register: tinyurl.com/Africa-at-th...

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 30/04/2026

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Rift Valley Institute @rvinews.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

Episode 2 of the Beyond Series explores digital connection and mobility across conflict-affected borderlands. @petechonka.bsky.social reflects on how social media shapes migration dreams and risks for youth in Hargeisa. Listen: tinyurl.com/BeyondXCEPT2 More about this project: xcept.riftvalley.net

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