About us

The Pastoral and Environmental Network in the Horn of Africa (PENHA) is an African inspired and led international nongovernmental organisation (INGO) and research institute, founded in 1989 by a group of development practitioners concerned about the future of pastoralism in the Horn of Africa.

For 30 years, PENHA has played a leading role in bringing pastoralism to the forefront of development discourse, promoting it as a dignified way of life for communities in the Horn of Africa and as an important contribution to the economy – linking practice with policy. It has over three decades’ experience in action-oriented research related to pastoral and agro-pastoral development throughout the Horn of Africa and has an established track record in the field of pastoral research, project implementation, gender studies and policy advocacy among pastoral peoples throughout the Horn region and through its Development Education and Youth Programme in the UK.

Through its collaboration with partners at multiple levels – local actors, community-based organisations, universities, research institutes, nongovernmental and ministerial organisations in both Africa and internationally PENHA has contributed to development policy and practice in Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Somaliland, Somalia, Sudan and Uganda.



Our mission

Our mission is to promote sustainable development among pastoral and agro-pastoral communities through gender equality, resilience building, enterprise, innovation and regional cooperation across the Horn of Africa.

Our objectives

Sustainable livelihoods require a coordinated approach at the grassroots and policy levels. PENHA, therefore, commits itself to two goals:

  • The social, cultural and economic integration of pastoral and agro-pastoral communities in the Horn of Africa

  • Dynamic, diversified and sustainable pastoral and agro-pastoral livelihoods, with expanded access to information, technology, education and training

  • A full and equal role for pastoral and agro-pastoralist women in public and economic life

  • Peacebuilding and conflict prevention

  • Development of links with the diaspora in the UK

PENHA is a distinguished non-governmental organisation with 30 years of experience working on the African pastoral and environmental issues. Indeed, in recognition of its works and its founding director Dr Zeremariam Fre, the Global Reconciliation Award – Desmond Tutu Reconciliation Award was awarded in 2018.