The Ethiopia Conflict Sensitivity Hub (ECSH) is a collaborative initiative established by the Rift Valley Institute, Mercy Corps and Adapt Peacebuilding. Launched in June 2025, the Hub was created in response to the growing demand among humanitarian, development, and peacebuilding (HDP) actors for stronger conflict‑sensitive approaches in one of the world’s most complex operating environments. With support from the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Global Affairs Canada, ECSH builds on global best practice from similar hubs in nine countries, while tailoring its services to Ethiopia’s unique dynamics.
Why ECSH?
Ethiopia faces a range of challenges, including rising interethnic tensions, border disputes, insurgencies and politicization of aid among others. These dynamics have complicated the work of HDP actors, sometimes leading to inadvertent harm such as aid diversion, perceived bias or grievance‑fuelling distributions. Research conducted with 193 organisations reveals that more than 86% require additional conflict sensitivity support, yet nearly two‑thirds receive no external assistance. The ECSH was established to close this gap, offering a dedicated platform for research, capacity development and convening that strengthens the sector’s ability to Do No Harm and maximize positive impact.
What we do
The Hub operates through three interconnected pillars:
- Research and analysis: ECSH produces timely analyses and context assessments that help HDP actors understand Ethiopia’s evolving conflict landscape. Completed work includes the foundational study Aid and Conflict Sensitivity in Contemporary Ethiopia. Additional work focuses on conflict in the lowlands, conflict and peace sensitivity considerations in IDP response, the policy and practice of the HDP nexus, as well as the political economy of water and conflict sensitivity in fragile contexts.
- Capacity development: ECSH equips organizations and individuals with practical tools to integrate conflict sensitivity into systems and policies. Services provided include conflict sensitivity audits, tailored accompaniment, modular trainings (awareness, skills, integration), online learning, and a Champions Programme that nurtures advanced practitioners.
- Convening: The Hub provides spaces for coordination, joint analysis and peer learning. Through workshops, research briefings and networking events, ECSH fosters collaboration across donors, local organizations and international actors, ensuring that knowledge is shared and applied collectively.
A hybrid model for sustainability
ECSH is designed as both a common good and a service. While core operations are supported by donor funding, the Hub also offers tailored services on a cost‑recovery basis and operates a tiered membership model.
Join us
The Ethiopia Conflict Sensitivity Hub represents a unique opportunity to strengthen how aid and peacebuilding are practiced in Ethiopia. By engaging with ECSH—whether through funding, partnership or participation in its services—organizations contribute to building a more conflict‑sensitive, effective and accountable HDP sector.
Access the Hub’s publications here.
